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TO 



THE RIGHT REVEREND 



JOHN HENRY HOB ART, D. D.lif 



BISHOP OF THE 



I 



Protestant Episcopal Church 



IN THE 



DIOCESE OF NEW YORK. 



BY THE 

ZIEV. BEX«'JABKI»r AZiXiSlf , 

Rector of St Paul's Church, Philadelphis 



I 



UVSS£LL AND MARTIEST, Pni!irT£RS, LODGE STB£CT. 



1827. 



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TO 



THE RIGHT REVEREND 

JOHiV HENRY HOBART, D. D. 

BISHOP OF THE 

Frotestant Episcopal Church 



DIOCESE OF NEW YORK. 



BY THE 

Rector of St. Paul's Churcli, Philadelphia. 



RUSSELL AND MARTIEBT, PRINTERS, LODGE STREET. 



1827. 



^5 



^ 



TO THE RIGHT REVEREND 

JOHN HENRir HOBART. D.D. 

Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese 
of New York. 



RIGHT REV. SIR, 

In the year 1807, you were desirous of prevent- 
ing the settlement of a particular clergyman in St. 
Ann's Church Brooklyn. That clergyman, (the Rev. 
H. J. Feltus,) had dared to diifer from you. What 
were the means which you made use of in order to 
prevent his settlement ? The statement of that gen- 
tleman, corroborated by such men as George Warner^ 
&c. is, that you charged him with the horrible crime 
of forgery. Your charge was groundless r* and your 
end in making it was not attained. 

In the year 1811, the Rev. Mr. Jones published a 
pamphlet, detailing a series of oppositions and perse- 
cutions experienced at your hands, because, as he 
states, he would not be subservient to your wishes. 
The Rev. Mr. Jones has remained in comparative ob- 
scurity to this hour. 

The Rev. Dr. Ducachet was so opposed by you^ 
when seeking holy orders, that he was obliged to 
obtain those orders through the medium of another 
Bishop. 

* See Appendix. 



{ 4 ) 

The Right Rev. Bishop Griswold, (for whose most 
holy, wise^ and apostolic character, God's grace be 
praised,) for daring to ordain him, (the Rev. Dr. 
Ducachet;) was subjected to your severe animad- 
version. 

When that noble spirit, the Right Rev. Philander 
Chase, D.D., resolved to make an attempt to plant the 
standard of the Cross in the wilderness of the west, 
h^ refused to make his Seminary the satellite of New 
York — What was the consequence ? You roused the 
Episcopal public against him — you procured the pas- 
sage of resolutions in various Episcopal bodies, con- 
demning his plan — you wrote to several^ at least, of 
the Bishops, to induce them to oppose him — you set 
out for England, after declaring that you would not 
traverse the seas with him in the same vessel. What 
was your career in England with reference to him ? 
Did you not endeavour to induce the British public to 
withhold from him their contributions ? Did you not 
circulate handbills and pamphlets against him ? Were 
not your efforts instrumental in keeping that persever- 
ing man in penury, obscurity, and anguish of soul, for 
lingering months, while you were admitted to the con- 
fidence of the peer and the prelate ? Were you not 
abusing that confidence, by seizing every opportunity 
of poisoning every mind within your reach against him 
and his plans ? Was not a pamphlet written against 
him by one under your influence, then of Brooklyn, 
New York ? And when, notwithstanding your eiforts, 



( 5 ) 

British christians, having fairly investigated the claims 
of Bishop Chase, resolved to aid him ; when Kenyon 
and Gambier, the heads of the two well known divisions 
of the Church of England, united in his behalf, did you 
not change your policy, and offer to share with Bishop 
Chase in the proceeds of his collections ? Were you 
not opposed to him again, because he rejected such 
partnership ? 

When, at the time of your return, on your conven- 
tion passing resolutions very respectful to yourself, and 
expressive of gratitude to God for your safety, did not 
your feelings so get the better of your judgment, that, 
in person, you made a violent attack on your conven- 
tion, threw back its resolutions in its face, and vir- 
tually demanded others expressive of stronger appro- 
bation ; and was not your demand acquiesced in ? 

Sir, I concede to you that a momentary impulse may 
betray a man ; that from sudden excitement he may be 
led to say and do, what, in his calmer hours, he would 
abhor. My question, however, is, whether, in the 
view of all the foregoing, there has not something more 
than sudden excitement actuated you ? 

When, in the wisdom and majesty of his sovereign 
will, the Lord Jesus Christ gave birth, in our w^orld, to 
Bible Societies, was not your puny arm lifted to stop 
the progress of his chariot ? Was not your influence 
exerted, and is it not still exerted, to prevent the Epis- 
copal Church in the United States from sharing the 
glory of his conquests ? When Europe, and Asia, and 



( 6 ) 

Africa, and America, are beginning to sound from all 
their borders, hosannas to the Lamb ; when one hun- 
dred and fifty new languages have been made, by the 
Bible Society, instruments of conveying the words of 
inspiration to perishing millions ; when, through the 
eiForts of the Bible Society, the light of millenial day 
is beginning to dawn ; when that, and other Societies, 
are preparing the way for the coming of the king of 
glory — are you not doing all that in you lies to hold 
back every Episcopalian from this glorious war ; to 
bring upon the head of every Episcopalian the curse of 
Meroz ? Are you not seeking to imbue our Church 
with a clanish spirit, hostile to the progress of Episco- 
pacy and the diifusion of the Liturgy ? Sir, when I 
look at you, I say to myself, that man is entitled to the 
free exercise of his opinions ; but when I see you pro- 
fessing a grovelling respect for the presiding Bishop, 
using the influence of his name, even against his prin- 
ciples;* and when, at the same time, I behold the pre- 
siding Bishop, President of the oldest Bible Society in 
the Union, at this moment engaged in giving to every 
cottager in Pennsylvania the Scriptures of his God, I 
cannot but ask, are you not convicted of daring effron- 
tery ? Do you really respect Bishop White ; or are 
you making use of his influence ? The frequent ex- 

* See your Address to your Convention, in which you intro- 
duce the remarks of Bishop White to bear against Bible Socie- 
ties, when those remarks were made in connection with a recom- 
mendation of such Societies. 



( 7 ) 

pressions in New York concerning him, are not un- 
known, nor the little value placed on his opinions when 
they run counter to yours. 

Were you not the friend of an independent Diocesan 
Seminary when that Seminary was located in New 
York ? Were you not opposed to agents of the General 
Seminary making collections in your Diocese, when 
that Seminary was located in another ? Were you not 
an enemy to independent Diocesan Seminaries, when 
the General Seminary was virtually placed under your 
influence, and then only ? 

Are not your sentiments, concerning other denomi- 
nations — giving them over to the uncovenanted mercies 
of God — altogether contrary to those of Bishop White? 
declared by him to be counter to the formularies of the 
Church of England, and contrary to those of the Re- 
formers ? Were they not condemned by the House of 
Bishops, in the reign of Queen Anne, as strange con- 
ceits ? Are they not precisely those, as to matters of 
Church, held by the Jacobites, or friends of the Pre- 
tender, and again by the tories?* Are they not senti- 
ments directly opposed to the whole of the policy of 
the whole life of the presiding Bishop ? 

These things being so, I ask of you, and of 
THE Church, where is the dishonour of being 

THE objects of YOUR ASSAULT ? WhY NEED PENN- 
SYLVANIA MOURN FOR THE RECENT ATTACKS CON- 

* See Bishop Burnet, Warner's Ecclesiastical History, &c. 
&c. 



( 8 ) 

TAINED IN YOUR ADDRESS TO YOUR CONVENTION, AND 

YOUR Consecration Sermon ? 

As a native of New York, an individual may be 
permitted to mourn, that one of your spirit is throned 
in the heights of her ecclesiastical influence. I do and 
will mourn, and shall continue to mourn, at the thought 
of your UNSOUNDNESS AS A Churchman ; and if, in the 
utterance of my feelings, I use strong language, I shall 
be forgiven by the State whose air I first breathed, and 
at the foot of whose mountains I was cradled. 

Had you, in your recent visit to the State of my 
adoption, appeared as the harbinger of peace ; had you 
endeavoured to heal divisions, to calm the feelings, and 
satisfy the understandings of the thousands in your na- 
tive city and land, who consider their dearest rights as 
outraged, you would have been hailed with pleasure ; 
but when, before your approach, you brandished the 
sword, and, on coming among us, threw away the scab- 
bard ; when, not satisfied with attacking the majority 
of the yeomanry and the clergy ; the communicants 
and the ministers of the Diocese, you included in the 
range of your denunciations, a large part of the sacra- 
mental host elsewhere encamped, it can scarcely be 
expected that you should pass without rebuke. Is that 
rebuke to come from one who, like the stripling David, 
has but his sling and his stone ; he feels that you have 
set at defiance a portion at least of the army of the liv- 
ing God. You have hurled your anathemas against 
those who, it may be said, are but like the Utile flocks 



( 9 ) 

of kids J while your host Jills the valley ; still, in the 
name of the Lord, and the power of his might, he un- 
dertakes against you. The issue of the combat is in 
higher hands ; your talents, your office, the wealth at 
your command, the principalities and the powers of 
the Church ready to move with or without your bid- 
ding ; the weight of influence, clerical and lay, that 
you are capable of wielding, even to the remotest cor- 
ner of these United States, weigh not against a convic- 
tion of duty. — Trust not in man, but in the Lord Jeho- 
vah, with whom is everlasting strength. — He has count- 
ed the cost ; he puts all to hazard ; and he is prepared 
to thank God for any and every result. The name of 
our Redeemer be glorified, and his cause advanced for 
ever and ever. 

Are the friends of the Rev. Mr. Meade the filth of 
the world, and the off scouring of all things^ as you and 
yours represent them to be ? To answer this question, 
it will be necessary to attend to the following 

NARRATIVE. 

In the year 1823, at the Convention of the Diocese of 
Pennsylvania held in the city of Lancaster, the Rev. 
Mr. Boyd was left out of the delegation to the General 
Convention. In the year 1824, during the sitting of 
the Convention at Norristown, it was understood that 
an attempt would be made to leave Mr. Boyd out of 
the Standing Committee. This induced extraordinary 
attention to the subject of the election of Committees. 
2 



( 10 ) 

The Rev. Mr. Boyd was retained in office as usual. In 
the Executive Committee of the Domestic and Foreign 
Missionary Society^ and in private conversation, the 
expediency of sending an agent to visit the missionary 
station at Green Bay was discussed. The Rev. Mr. 
Montgomery spoke of going, and was urged by all to 
go. He did not go. The Rev. Mr. Boyd manifested 
a willingness to go. It was an arduous task, and for 
his readiness to undertake it the thanks of the Church 
were due to him. The Rev. Mr. Boyd was connected 
with a congregation, and he could not have gone to 
Green Bay without great inconvenience. The Rev. 
Mr.Boyd had been appointed Secretary by the Society, 
during the previous sitting of the General Convention. 
He was peculiarly adapted, therefore, for the visit, by 
his knowledge of all the concerns of the Society, and 
by the fact of the general Church having reposed in 
him its confidence. His going as an agent, however, 
was opposed on the grounds of his views as a Church- 
man. Bishop White, in conversation, expressed his 
decided unwillingness that Mr. Boyd should go ; and 
Mr. Montgomery avowed an entire opposition to his 
going. These expressions, the friends of the Rev. Mr. 
Boyd deemed sufficient to prevent their asking a for- 
mal vote of the Executive Committee on the subject of 
his going. The proscription, however, was by no 
means pleasant to them ; though, from a wish to pre- 
serve the peace of the Church, they did not, in their 
places as members of the Committee, press the appoint- 
ment. 



( 11 ) 

In the year 1825, the Right Rev. Bishop White, 
for the first time in an ecclesiastical administration of 
forty years, altered the Parochial Reports. The Rev. 
Mr. Bull, in his report to the Convention of that year, 
gave an account of what he considered to be the gra~ 
cious visitations of the Spirit of God among his people. 
The Rev. Mr. Bull, and others, spake of the conver- 
sion of souls, and of other circumstances, so encourag- 
ing to their hearts as ministers of Christ, so imperi- 
ously calling for an expression of gratitude to the great 
Shepherd and Bishop of souls, that they felt themselves 
called upon to state those circumstances for the edifica- 
tion of the Church, and the comfort of their brethren. 
The Bishop of the Diocese so altered some of these Re- 
ports, that their writers were unwilling to acknowledge 
them as their own, and declared them essentially 
changed in character. The right of the Bishop to 
alter the Parochial Reports, became immediately a 
subject of controversy. Are we infamous for daring 
to believe, that Bishop White, or his counsellors, are 
liable to mistake ? Have we, indeed, come to this ? 
Do we acknowledge an infallibility in the high ofiicers 
of the Church ? Must we bow our heads in silent sub- 
mission, because a Diocesan thinks he has a right to cut 
and carve documents which the Church gives him no 
power to touch ? Has the Bishop authority, not only 
above, but against law? The language of the 45th 
canon, requiring Ministers to present parochial reports 
to the Bishop, at each annual Convention^ explicitly 



( 12 ) 

declares^ ^^ These parochial reports shall be read and 
entered on the Journal of the Convention^ Had 
Bishop White authority to alter the parochial reports 
of 1825^ or of any other year? On what is that au- 
thority founded ? The Bishop of New York, and the 
late Bishop of Maryland, appear, on a reference to the 
Journals of their Convention, to have had the parochial 
reports read in their presence, and after that, accord- 
ing to the uniform manner of the Bishop of Pennsyl- 
vania, previous to 1825, to have allowed them to pass, 
untouched hy their hands, to the Journals. The 
Right Rev. Bishop White commencing this practice of 
altering in his extreme old age, after a habit confirmed 
by almost half a century of leaving the reports un- 
touched, is surprising. The Rev. Rector of more than 
one Church has, in former years, prepared and pre- 
sented to the Convention of Pennsylvania, in the pre- 
sence of the Bishop, a report of the state of his cure, 
which members of Convention desired to see altered, 
and which the Bishop desired to see altered. In one 
instance, as is well known, the propriety of altering 
was discussed in Convention. The then Chief Justice 
of Pennsylvania, the independent Tilghman, gave it as 
his deliberate opinion, that the alteration could not 
take place, and cited, as the grounds of that opinion, 
the words of the canon above quoted. The question 
is repeated — Where is the infamy of daring to suppose 
Bishop White mistaken in his view of this subject ? 
The conduct of Bishop White, in relation to various 



( 13 ) 

matters, during the first forty years of his Episco- 
pacy, affords sufficient warrant for supposing him 
mistaken, in more than one instance, during the 
last two. Have we to say, that, in the conduct 
of those forty years, he was wholly mistaken? Sir, 
they are years which will long be remembered by 
the American Church. They present a period of 
calm, mild, moderate administration, which furnishes 
a wholesome lesson to yourself. They present a period, 
the moderation of which will be looked back upon as a 
green spot, by the future historian of the violent days 
of the Church. The observer of the two last years, 
need not be surprised at the change of policy. It is not 
the policy of the venerable White that has aroused the 
rage of contest. The mind of Bishop White is open to 
suggestions ; the uniform honesty of Bishop White 
leads him to believe such suggestions well founded. 
The fact that he listens to suggestions, is no condemna- 
tion of his judgment Who does not see, in reading the 
history of man, that every one is liable to become preju- 
diced ? Now, Sir, you and yours may abuse his confi- 
dence, and he may say and do whatsoever he pleases, at 
least one individual shall be found, who will continue 
to present the first forty years of Bishop White's mo- 
deration against the brief period of the triumph of your 
policy. 

When the Convention met at Reading, in May, 1826, 
those since known as the friends of Mr. Meade, were, 
by one sweep, cast out of every office in the power of 



( 14 ) 

that body to bestow. This^ at least, was diXi improve- 
ment on their conduct at previous Conventions. In 
pursuing their career, they had left in the standing 
committee individuals well known to be opposed to 
them in sentiments and policy ; they had allowed to 
remain untouched several appointments of minor con- 
sequence. Whatever their power or disposition, they 
had borne their faculties with at least some degree of 
meekness. Their brethren certainly conferred on them 
a favour, however, in releasing them from the dis- 
charge of various official duties ; and to those brethren 
I would express the thankfulness I individually feel, 
for that release. 

The diocese had scarcely got settled into quiet, after 
the excitement among the laity produced by this 
event, ere it was announced, that the newly constitu- 
ted standing committee had expressed its opinion in 
favour of a meeting of a Special Convention to choose 
an assistant Bishop. What strong reasons, in favour 
of this measure, existed in August that did not exist in 
May of the same year, it is difficult to tell. 

Bishop White, in the second of his addresses to the 
Special Convention, informs us, that intimations were 
made to him of a design, on the part of some of the 
clergy, to choose an Assistant Bishop without due res- 
pect to his wishes in relation to the suitableness of such 
an act. It is my own conviction, that such intimations 
were not well founded. The propriety of conversa- 
tion, as to who and what kind of man would probably 



( 15 ) 

succeed Bishop White, no one that adverts to the ad- 
vanced age of the Bishop, can deny. Conversations of 
this kind certainly were had. The possibility of ulti- 
mately choosing an assistant was spoken of ; and when^ 
in the interior of the state of New York, I was inform- 
ed of a wish on the part of the Trustees of the College 
of Geneva, to appoint Dr. Milnor President of that In- 
stitution, I well remember to have mentioned to a 
connection, and probably to others, the opinion I 
entertained, that if Dr. Milnor were appointed 
President at Geneva, he must eventually be surrender- 
ed to the Episcopate of Pennsylvania. Bishop White 
had reached three score and fifteen years, it is, there- 
fore, manifest that such conversations formed no certain 
grounds of evidence, that a design to act contrary to 
his wishes, in choosing an Assistant Bishop, existed. 
All the doings or sayings of my brethren, I know not. 
My firm belief, however, is, that such a design would 
neither have been matured, nor carried into effect, by 
them. 

When the calling of a Special Convention, to elect 
an assistant Bishop, was resolved upon, the promoters 
of the measure having assembled, (at least, a part of 
them,) in caucus, — social meeting, or whatever title of 
the assemblage may be preferred^ — they selected, after 
some canvassing or ballotting, the Rev. Dr. Wilson as 
their candidate. The friends of the Rev. Mr. Meade 
united in him. This, their crime, it is necessary to 
excuse. 'Tis manifest, that if they had agreed to vote 



( 16 ) 

for Dr. Wilson, no clamour would have been raised 
against them. Their selecting one in whom they be- 
lieved were joined together all the qualifications requi- 
site in a christian Bishop, certainly has exposed them 
to every degree of obloquy. They were unwise 
enough to believe that in discharging their duty as 
members of the Church, in resolving to vote according 
to the dictates of conscience, and in the fear of God, 
they might escape censure. They have, however, 
learned from experience, that something else beside 
conscience, and the word of the Most High, are to be 
consulted — at least, that present peace is not to be ex- 
pected by those who resolutely determine to do their 
duty. Was it a crime to select one as Bishop, who, in 
every subordinate station, possessed the zeal, piety, 
perseverance, the unwavering devotedness to the 
Church, success as a preacher, and enlarged benevo- 
lence of William Meade ? Was it a crime, in a politi- 
cal point of view, to select the son of the bosom friend 
of Washington ? Was it a sin against learning, to se- 
lect a man who shared in the first honours at Prince- 
ton ? Was it a sin against the Episcopal Church, to 
select one, who, by the general voice of the land, ranks 
first, or among the first, of her presbyters ? I know 
you will say, no crime has been alledged, as connected 
with the choice of Mr. Meade ; but I fearlessly ask of 
all, whether this has not been, in fact, our high misde- 
meanour ? The Church well knows, that if we had 
accorded with the views of your friends, we should 



( 17 ) 

never have been covered with odium by New York : 
we should have been hailed with all those flattering ti- 
tles so grateful to a worldly ear ; we should have been 
allowed to steal our way in comparative obscurity. 

We chose the Rev. Mr. Meade, and what were the 
means adopted to insure his election ? We took pains 
to make his character known ; we expressed the honest 
conviction of our minds, that he was the best qualified to 
exercise the office of a Bishop to the glory of God, and 
the edification of the Church ; we spread before the 
people some account of his character, and furnished 
them an opportunity of reading at least one of his pro- 
ductions ; we gave, in private and in public, by the 
use of every honourable means, an unhesitating avowal 
of our opinion concerning him ; we believed that much 
was at stake ; the dearest interests of souls, of the hea- 
then world, of the cause of Christ at large, seemed, to 
our minds, to be involved in the issue of the question. 
We embarked with much prayer, and not without 
trembling hesitation in the contest. 

I leave, for the present, several circumstances con- 
nected with the proceedings of the Special Conven- 
tion, preserving them for a subsequent page of this 
epistle. The Rev. Mr. Meade was fairly nominated 
at the Special Convention, as the President of that 
body officially announced. It was, with violent ges- 
ticulation and vociferation, declared on the floor of 
the Convention, that the decision of the chair was 
incorrect. The friends of Mr. Meade did not wish 
3 



( 18 ) 

to drag him in by the hair of the head ; they 
knew him worthy of a full majority. They con- 
sidered him as nominated^ but believed that ano- 
ther nomination^ should it be insisted on, would, 
after the party-heat of his opponents had subsided, 
aiFord him a much larger vote. They did not wish to 
drive through an instant decision : however you regard 
them, they have been anxious for the peace of the 
Church ; therefore, under the influence of these com- 
bined considerations, they yielded to the idea of refer- 
ing the proceedings in the case to the next annual Con- 
vention. They met afterwards, in obedience to the 
example previously set them by their opponents. Dur- 
ing their meeting they felt themselves at liberty, not 
only to pray together, and to exhort one another to 
perseverance in what they conceived to be a holy 
work, viz. securing to the Diocese a suitable Bishop 
for future time, but also to devise honourable and pro- 
per means of preventing themselves from being over- 
powered by the mighty influence, worldly policy, and 
legal talent, united against them. Some of them were 
poor men ; individuals among them had walked hun- 
dreds of miles to enjoy the privilege of giving their 
vote for the good of their parishes ; they had no great 
ones of this world among them, but they had sound 
sense, honesty of purpose, and not a few of them piety 
of heart. They solicited, as they were about to sepe- 
rate, some ^vt or six of those who lived contiguous to 
each other to inform them, from time to time, of such 



( 19 ) 

facts as might transpire, and, in the most speedy man- 
ner, to diffuse among them, scattered as they would be 
throughout the state^ such intelligence as it might be 
essential for them to know. Again praying to that God 
who hears the cry of the humble, and scattereth the 
forces of the oppressor, they bade each other adieu^ 
and separated for their several places of abode. 

After the Special Convention, the Rev. Mr. Meade 
proposed, as is well known, that the whole matter in 
relation to the choice of an assistant Bishop, should, by 
mutual consent, be deferred. The Special Convention 
had, by its formal vote, referred said matter to the an- 
nual Convention of the succeeding May. There exist- 
ed, therefore, a real difficulty in the way of the accept- 
ance of Mr. Meade's proposition. True, the persons 
called upon to act in relation to the proposal of Mr. 
Meade, might reasonably be expected to compose a 
large part of the next annual Convention, but they were 
wholly destitute of right to contravene the doings of 
the Special Convention, or act in behalf of the Conven- 
tion at Harrisburg. Mr. Meade's proposition fully 
showed the character of the man, and, unfortunately 
for his opponents, showed by contrast the party spirit 
that had existed among them. The Rev. Mr. Meade's 
proposition was neither received nor rejected by his 
friends. A committee of them laid it before those in 
the country, but very few expressions of opinion were 
written in return. The consequence was, that that 
committee felt themselves called upon to urge upon 



( 20 ) 

those who were acting with them the importance of at- 
tending the Convention at Harrisburg, and of being 
prepared to meet the question of electing an assistant 
Bishop. The Rev. Mr. Meade, moreover, intimated 
his unwillingness to be considered a candidate, and a 
committee of his friends not only announced that fact 
to their brethren, but with increased earnestness be- 
sought them to be ready for all that might occur during 
the deliberations of the approaching Convention. 

The Rev. Mr. Meade's friends went to Harrisburg 
determined to adhere to him, and, though he had refused 
to be a candidate, resolved to continue to him their sup- 
port. They were unwilling to urge an instant election : 
they had not been the first to propose the subject; they 
had acted only on the defensive in their previous do- 
ings, but, having reason to expect that they would be 
called upon to act, in relation to this matter, during 
the sitting of the Convention, they resolved, clergymen 
and laymen, that Mr. Meade should have whatever 
vote they might be required to give. 

Determined to show, by substantial acts, that they were 
not desirous of violently pressing the election of an assist- 
ant Bishop, nor indeed of violence in any thing, (though 
violence had been attributed to them) they gave to the 
Rev. Mr. De Lancey an undivided vote as Secretary of 
the Convention. They knew him, or at least had reason 
to believe him to be, the author of " Plain Truth f^ 
notwithstanding, they gave him their votes. They were 
dissatisfied with previous proceedings on his part in the 



( 21 ) 

discharge of his office as Secretary, yet only two or 
three of the ballots given bore any other name than his. 
The Rev. Mr. De Lancey had, in consequence, 175 
votes, (or thereabouts) as Secretary. This demonstra- 
tion, they conceive, ought to be regarded as proof of a 
disposition on their part to do whatever the peace of 
the Church required at their hands. They intended 
to proceed in this spirit. 

When, on the second day of the Convention, they 
were told, by a vote, that the Rev. Lucius Carter should 
not take his seat, then, indeed, were they surprised. 
They had presented the olive branch in their first offi- 
cial act, — the choice of Secretary. This now was 
trampled under foot. The articles of Association — the 
Constitution of the Diocese, gave to each clergyman re- 
sident in the state a seat in Convention. Every evi- 
dence of residence, on the part of Mr. Carter, was 
proffered. He was stated, in Convention, to be an 
agent of a respectable religious institution. It was 
also stated, that the scene of his labours had, for 
some time past, been, and would continue to be, Penn- 
sylvania. His solemn asseverations were repeated to 
the Convention, that he intended to remain to the end 
of his life — for aught he knew to the contrary — a 
resident of Pennsylvania. He had been resident 
about four weeks, without going out of the state ; he 
was bonafide, and to all intents and purposes, a resi- 
dent — such an one as the Constitution of the Church 
manifestly contemplated. He bore in his hand an evi- 



( 22 ) 

dence of good standing as a clergyman of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, That testimonial had been seen, 
without disapproval, by Bishop White, a month pre- 
vious. That testimonial the Bishop (since deceased) 
who, in his uniformly correct manner, drew it up, has 
declared by certificate published in the " Decision of 
the Bishops/^ was such an one as was sufficient to gain 
for Mr. Carter admission to the privileges of the Dio- 
ceses of New York, Vermont, or Ohio. Why, then, 
did it gain him no admission to the privileges of the 
Diocese of Pennsylvania ? Why the distinction ? Is 
Pennsylvania to be proscribed ground to men that are 
not furnished with a passport by an extraneous influ- 
ence ? an influence not recognized by the canons ? 

W^as the Rev. S. Sitgreaves a member of the Con- 
vention in your Diocese a few days before our Spe- 
cial Convention ? Did his letter dimissory from 
yourself bear date the day of the sitting of the Spe- 
cial Convention, or the day previous? Did it diff'er 
a tittle from the Rev. Lucius Carter's in the essen- 
tials of a testimonial? Were not we prevented 
by Mr. Sitgreaves from giving a majority for Mr. 
Meade which every one would have acknowledged ? 
Are not the plans you promote indebted for their com- 
pletion to the Rev. S. Sitgreaves being received on 
your testimonial, and allowed to enter our Special Con- 
vention as a member thereof on the second day ? Is 
Mr. Sitgreaves, to this hour, recognized by any cure 
in the State ? Has he succeeded in obtaining any pas- 



( 23 ) 

toral charge from the first moment in which he return- 
ed to the place of his birth to the present ? He has 
none, Sir : he has had none. 

We cannot but contrast these two cases. Is Bishop 
White honest? Yes; he has been^ is, and, I doubt 
not, ever will continue honest. Despite the efforts 
USED TO HIS real INJURY, hy those who dignify them- 
selves with the title of "friends of the Bishop/^ it is^ 
and shall be, my delight to prove the uprightness of in- 
tention of a Bishop I venerate — notwithstanding all 
assertions to the contrary. 

Where, you may perhaps inquire, is my proof of 
the honesty of intention on the part of Bishop White 
in this case ? I answer. Bishop White did not object 
to Mr. Carter's testimonial, when he saw it in his study 
in the month of April. Nor did he reject Mr. Carter 
at the Convention. He did not pronounce definitively 
on the matter. He stated the case to the Convention. 
Mr. Carter's rejection was, therefore, the act of that 
body, and not of Bishop White, He, you will say, 
perhaps, had it in his power to receive Mr. Carter. 
Why, then, did he not exercise that right? Why, 
if so upright a man, did he not himself receive Mr. 
Carter? I am, by no means, astonished, Sir, that 
Bishop White hesitated : hesitated even to the refer- 
ence of the case to the Convention. Mr. Carter, when 
he addressed Bishop White at Harrisburg, tendering 
him his testimonial, was accosted, by one whose vio- 
lence of spirit has made him an object of Christian com- 



( 24 ) 

xiiisseration, with words such as these : ^' Do you mean 
to insult the Bishop!'^ To insult him, by offering a 
testimonial in a civil and respectful manner ! Sir, is 
it cause of wonder that Bishop White hesitated : hesi- 
tated so far, that he resolved to leave the case with his 
Convention ? Does it detract from the uprightness of 
his character, that the suggestion made by violence of 
spirit in another, caused hesitation ? He is possessed, 
undoubtedly, of passions like other men, and have you 
not infused prejudices into his confiding mind ? or in- 
creased the prejudices there existing ? Sir, you and 
the Church know, doubtless, the individual referred to 
by me, as the third party making suggestions in the in- 
stance above cited. I therefore, must say, because I think 
it, that an honester creature than that individual is 
scarcely known to me. His violence of gesture, his loud- 
ness of voice, few Philadelphians can forget. He is sure 
to let all into the secret purpose his heart entertains. 
While he thus lets every one know what he thinks, 
however, he is not less in an error of judgment. Who 
is ignorant of the truth, that eminent men, even when 
doing wrong, are sometimes persuaded they are right ! 
I impeach not the sincerity of his intention, though, in 
sundry respects, we are almost antipodes. 

In reference to subsequent conduct of Bishop White 
when Mr, Carter waited on him, it is my firm convic- 
tion that Bishop White manifests, by following the 
straight forward dictates of his own judgment, the ha- 
bitual honesty of his character. He, of all men, I well 



(25 ) 

knoW; is totally unfitted for the crookedness of intrigue. 
His straight forward movements are of a nature calcu- 
lated to throw a whole host of intriguers into inextrica- 
ble confusion. They may plan, calculate^ and design: 
A single decision of his sense of what is rights is enough 
to demolish the whole of their Babel. They may in- 
dulge hopes the very counterpart of Nimrod's : His 
honesty shall set all their calculations at defiance. 

'Twas on account of the great noise made by the 
" friends of the Bishop/' that the first publication of the 
certificates concerning Mr. Carter's interview took 
place. Those papers were taken^ as a matter of course^ 
for documents. They were designed for use when it 
should be necessary to use them. Mr. Carter was about 
to return to a distant part of the State. He had told 
Bishop White, in the morning, it was his design to go 
to his people — whose call he brought with him — imme- 
diately. He stated the same to others as his intention. 
This occurred on Wednesday. At about nine o'clock 
that evening, I received a note from a " friend of the 
Bishop's," asking where Mr. Carter was. I had seen 
Mr. Carter in the early part of the day, and his state- 
ment then was, that he intended going at once out 
of town. I knew some circumstances might have, un- 
expectedly, prevented his leaving the city that day ; 
therefore, I returned the answer proper for me to re- 
turn, viz. : that I did not know where Mr. Carter was. 
The same message went to Mr. Bedell : the same an- 
swer was returned. The next day it was ascertained 
4 



( 26 ) 

Mr. Carter had spent the night in the suburhs of the 
the city, and left for home about sunrise on Thursday 
morning. Mr. B. and myself, totally strangers to Mr. 
Carter's original intention to come to the city, were 
strangers also to the precise period of his leaving until 
after he had gone. Of course, we were both entirely 
ignorant on Wednesday evening as to where he was. 
The same, or a similar message of inquiry reached the 
printing office of Mr. W. Stavely at ten on Wednesday 
night. Inquiry was also made at the last place as to 
where Mr. Rees could be found, — Alarm and confusion 
were manifest somewhere ! 

^ We were anxious to send Mr. Carter a letter,' the 
^' friends of the Bishop" say : or ' we were desirous of 
delivering a message from Bishop White.' Was the 
message or letter of so killing importance that it was 
requisite (almost) to disturb the sleep of others in order 
to find Mr. Carter immediately ? Why not have quietly 
transmitted the letter by mail, and let all in the city 
remain in peace ? 

But no ! the next (Thursday) morning, a warm 
" friend of the Bishop," going in pursuit of Mr. Rees, 
accosted him in Pine street, in company with Mrs. R. 
— " Where is Mr. Carter?" '^ Gone home." " Where 
is it — in such a county, is'nt it," &c. &c. — When, in 
addition to this, it was industriously stated, during the 
whole of Thursday, that Mr. Cater had misunderstood 
Bishop White ; that Mr. Car'^er was not received, &c. 
&c. — it became proper to throw upon the pages of a 



( 27 } 

weekly paper Mr. Carter's statement, and accompany 
the same with the statement of Mr. Rees. The crisis 
at which affairs had, at that time, arrived, made these 
publications proper. 

Is the assertion I have heard, which, however, from 
want of time, I have never endeavoured to trace — is, I 
say, the assertion correct, that a certain friend of Bishop 
White's, on going into the house, a few hours subse- 
quent to Mr. Carter's leaving, and seeing Mr. Carter's 
testimonial, exclaimed in great trepidation, " Bishop, 
you have ruined us ! You have undone every thing we 
have done !" Is this statement correct ? Unable to 
vouch for it — as it is mere rumour — I only ask the 
question. 

Mr. Montgomery, say Mr. Rees and his wife — Mr. 
Montgomery told Mr. Rees, " the Bishop has changed 
his mind." Now, Sir, this last is susceptible of the 
proof of a clergyman and his wife. 

Sir, am I right in continuing to say. Bishop White is 
wholly honest ? I am free to say, and will prove, he is 
so. To use the motto of an order to which it gives me 
pleasure to belong, — " Magna Veritas est prevalehitP 
Bishop White is a man honest in the straight forward 
dictates of his judgment — upright in his intentions. I 
firmly believe, and am prepared to prove the assertion. 
Still I mourn o'er what he admits, the growing infir- 
mity of age. I mourn over the suggestions I know 
have been made to him. I feel that a mind that has 
carried on its operations beyond the allotted period of 



( 28 ) 

iiiaii^ maLj, by violence of feeling in others, especially in 
those in whom it reposes confidence, be thrown from its 
balance: be led to do that it never before did: have 
the operations of its memory disturbed : and, on the 
principle by which a young mind is ready to believe as 
true what is often told, may differ in its recollections 
from others : become rooted in a mistake ; and, as the 
result of that mistake, use all the influence arising out 
of its well earned respectability, its years, and its hon- 
ours, in a manner contrary to the views, and painful to 
the feelings of many who still will continue to cherish 
for it deep veneration. 

We, in Pennsylvania, who now suffer reproach, and 
are stigmatized — among other things, are entitled ^^ ene- 
mies'^ to our Bishop, — are free to say, we have al- 
ways differed from him in opinion on some points. 
He, in his History of the Episcopal Church, and 
during his whole career, has disclaimed all idea of 
any man, or set of men, receiving any opinion of 
his in an unqualified manner. He never wished our 
judgments to bow implicitly to his. We are, however, 
as a body, persuaded that his judgments are more cor- 
rect than those of his exclusive " friends'' : that his 
candour is more to be relied upon : his uprightness 
more unimpeachable : his honesty of soul far, very far, 
beyond that of many we desire not to name. We suffer ^ 
because we follow^ in many respects, hisopinions; we are 
reproached for, in truth, preferring in our spheres. 



( 29 ) 

acting in conformity to his views of Church polity. We 
ever prefer his to yours. 



The Printer informs me that the documentary evi- 
dence I have furnished in support of the truth of my 
statements, is of such volume as to preclude my pro- 
ceeding any farther with the present letter. The re- 
mainder, therefore, must be deferred. The narrative 
will be taken up and carried to its completion at a pe- 
riod not far distant. I propose putting it to press the 
moment this is completed. In parting, I have only to 
say, I have separated myself to this work ; it is my de- 
sign to prove to the satisfaction of those not wilfully 
blinded, that your doctrines and views of polity are un- 
sound and unscriptural ; that you are opposed to the 
views of the 

Church of England, 

Of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America, 

Of the senior Bishop of that Church, 

Of the Reformers, 

Of the noble army of Martyrs, 

Of the Primitive Church, 

Of the glorious company of the Apostles, 

Of the Word of the Most High God ; 
And this I mean to prove by fair reference to your 
writings and doings during the whole of your ecclesias- 
tical career. 

I have separated myself to this work, and it is my 
intention to prosecute it amid all the varieties of cir 



( 30 ) 

cumstances into which Providence may permit me to 
fall : be it in city or village : in mount or in vale : in hut 
or comfortable dwelling : in cellar^ garret, or grated 
abode. — I am happy in the thought, that there is no in- 
quisition in the land — be it that I can find pen, ink, 
paper, and types, with reason and life on earth to use 
them. 

No grovelling motive impels me : no factious, schis- 
matic, discontented, or envious feeling : I hate your 
views, but not your person. Could I see the spirit that 
animated a Paul breathed into you, I would fly to hail 
you the glorious instrument of blessing to the Church. 

My heart nurtures no trace of malicious feeling: 
I am but discharging what I believe to be my duty 
to God and his Church. In my inmost soul, I do 
honestly believe you to be the worst enemy of the 
Liturgy, the greatest opponent to the spread of 
Episcopacy, and the certain author of entire ruin 
to our Church, if your policy prevail. In every 
portion of the Church of these United States, I 
have seen and heard discontent and dissatisfaction con- 
cerning you : You are entitled " the Talleyrand, the 
would-be Archbishop,'^ and every other name that 
can indicate the existence of a feeling which regards 
you as ambitious, as grasping, imperious, intermeddling, 
and determined to attain power. Hardly a Diocese is 
there that does not expect it must ask your permission 
as to who shall be its Bishop : scarce a religious insti- 
tution but beholds you with dread. 



( 31 ) 

I have seen and heard all this. I have never been 
thrown into circumstances in which I have so closely 
observed it as within two years past. The letters from 
England, which I saw last winter ; the story of Bishop 
Chase, which was told to the full, beneath my own roof, 
and the circumstances connected with the recent con- 
secration, force me to believe that every thing I have 
heard of you is true. 

And must it remain ever so ? Are you to propose a 
plan to cut up the Lessons and the Psalter, and claim 
the utmost veneration for the Liturgy ? — to introduce 
Jacobite notions of Church government, and claim to be 
no schismatic ? — to claim the privilege of being the firm 
and exclusive friend of Bishop White, and oppose Tiis 
whole course of policy and views of Church govern- 
ment ? Are we to remain thus abused in understand- 
ing ? ^Tis marvellous that even your activity and talent 
should ^"'so get the start of the whole American 
Church. 

Cerinthus being in the bath, caused the apostle John 
to utter forcible language. Polycarp, St. John's dis- 
ciple, used very strong language. Certainly your views 
fall far short of the notions of Marcion and Cerinthus ; 
they, however, were known as enemies, and had not a 
weight of ruinous influence. Like Judaizing Chris- 
tians, or the rulers who occupied Moses' seat, you are, 
under the exclusive name of Churchman, leading souls 
astray. " The temple of the Lord, the temple of the 
Lord," said those rebuked by the prophet : " The 



( 32 ) 

Church, the Church/' say you. Christ is forgotten 
amid your cries for the Church. His humble followers 
are called by every hard name or opprobious title (ex- 
cepting, perhaps, the title — Beelzebub — -applied to the 
Master) under pretence of doing him service. 

And v^hy does a mere presbyter use such plainness 
of speech ? He sees the Divine Author of our holy reli- 
gion exposing the temper of his persecutors : he sees the 
example of St. Stephen addressing the great men who 
ruled in Jerusalem — the example of St.Paul in contend- 
ing with such as cared for traditions more than for Holy 
Scripture : He reads of the council of Jerusalem speak- 
ing plainly of the Judaizing Christians. He has read 
the epistle to the Galatians, and can prove you guilty of 
departing from justification by faith.* He reads the 
13th of 1st Corinthians, and, at the mouth of the Bible, 
he asks, whether charity requires him to be silent con- 
cerning you ? The answer the Bible returns him, is 
stated by the examples and language recorded there : 
part of which he has already quoted, and more of which 
the reader of St. John's and St. Paul's writings may 
readily discover. No sin against Christian charity is 
committed by contending earnestly for the faith, — by 
using great plainness of speech in so contending. 

BENJAMIN ALLEN. 

Philadelphia, Nov. 24th, 1827. 

* See Christian Ol^server for 1826- 



^IF^Fll^Sg)!!^ 



The following documents are a connected series of attesta- 
tions to your character for twenty years last past. They are 
full only in some particulars ; in others, they cannot be, from 
the fact that all the materials illustrative of your ecclesiastical 
persecutions, w^ould fill volumes. No apology is even at- 
tempted for printing these. Had the course you chose to 
mark out for yourself, been essentially different in 1827 from 
your career in 1807, these documents would, so far as the 
present writer is concerned, have remained on the shelf. 
They are published, that the public may know what judgment 
to entertain of your recent assertions. 



A Brief Statement of the persecutions and mal-treatment 
experienced by the Rev Henry J. Feltus, from the Rev. 
Dr. Hobart and others^ for upwards of three years last 
past — under his own hand. 

In this statement the remarks shall be extremely brief, and 
as plain as possible ; only serving to connect the documents 
that are embodied. Nothing can be more painful to me, than 
that the following facts should be made public ; and for the 
sincerity of this profession, I think I can confidently appeal 
to more than three years silent sufferings; during which time 
my lips have been closed for the sake of peace, under the vil- 
est and most slanderous imputations. Nothing could have 
supported me through this deep pressure, but the cheering 
beams of an approving conscience ; the sw^eet rest of inno- 
cence ; and the firm persuasion, that a just and righteous 
God would, in his own good time, close this dispensation of 
chastisement, by commanding truth to become triumphant. 
From the following documents it will appear — 
1st. That Dr. Hobart's persecutions cominenced from the 
time of my refusing, as a member of the Standing Committee 
1* 



11 APPENDIX. 

of New Jersey, to receive his, Dr. Hobart's, recommenda- 
tions in favour of a candidate for holy orders, as a substitute 
for the personal attendance and examination of that candidate. 

2. That from this period, Dr. Hobart appears to have set 
himself to injure my reputation in New York, by giving rise 
to reports of irregularity against me ; and when he saw that 
it was likely I should be settled in the Diocese, (having re- 
ceived a call to the Church at Brooklyn) by drawing up a 
sheet oi false accusations, by pledging himself by word and 
letter to the clergy of the city, to prove the truth of those 
charges, in order to obtain their signatures for my impeach- 
ment ; which charges he has never attempted to prove. 

3. That after my removal to Brooklyn, bringing with me 
the most ample testimonials from the vestry of Trinity 
Church, Swedesborough, and also from Bishop White of Phi- 
ladelphia, Dr Hobart had the hardihood to assert, to different 
persons, that I had forged these Testimonials — that he sent 
this report into the congregation of Brooklyn, to the no small 
disturbance of many pious minds with their new Minister, 
and that to confront this cruel accusation, one of the gentle- 
men to whom he made the assertion, had to write to Swedes- 
borough, and obtain fresh testimony on the subject. 

4. That, notwithstanding all this, when conciliation was 
proposed, and I waited on Dr. Hobart for the express pur- 
pose, by the advice of several pious gentlemen of Trinity 
Church, he. Dr. Hobart, refused to be reconciled ; but has, 
with the assistance of his compeer. Rev. Mr. How, continued 
ever since his endeavours, as occasion offered, to torture, and 
lessen, and misrepresent my reputation : construing, as I 
firmly believe, my advances for peace, into a persuasion that 
1 am afraid of him, and that, by continued opposition, I would 
be driven from the Diocese. 

With the first of these points, there are some circum- 
stances that are closely connected with those that come after, 
and will therefore require some very brief explanation. 

About the time of the Rev. Mr. (now Dr.) Pilmore's giv- 
ing up the charge of Christ's Church, I was written to, then 
at Swedesborough, by some of the Vestry of Christ's Church, 
to visit New York, with a view to succeed Mr Pilmore in 
the Rectory of that congregation. I accordingly spent one 
Sunciay in the city, performed Divine Service in the Church, 
I visited some of those established Society-Meetings at- 



APPENDIX. Ill 

tached to the congregation, as their Pastor was in the habit 
of doing for years before, without blame or censure. 

Some time after, on a visit to New York, 1 received every 
attention from the Bishop and Clergy, as usual ; particularly 
from the Rev. Mr. Lyell, who was now in charge of the con- 
gregation of Christ's Church. He most cordially pressed me 
to his pulpit, and to his house ; and warmly invited me to 
attend such Society-Meetings as might be convenient to me 
while in town, then, or at any future period. 

On June the 4th, 1805, 1 received from the Rev. Mr. Lyell, 
the following letter : — 

"-'New York, June ^th, 1805. 
Rev. Sir, 

The Vestry of Christ's Church, (in this city,) having 
concluded to call an Assistant Minister as soon as possible, 
have authorized me to inform .you of their intention, and re- 
quest a visit from you, as soon as you can make it convenient. 
I need not inform you, that you have friends in the con- 
gregation of Christ's Church, who will rejoice to see, and 
hear you, and (if you permit them) gladly support your elec- 
tion : of this you can have no doubt. Do come — and come 
soon ; and when you come, give me the pleasure of making 
my house (No. 69, Gold Street,) your home, while you stay 
in the city. 

I am, dear sir, 

Yours, &c. 
THOxMAS LYELL." 

To this letter, I returned a negative the week following ; 
in which I requested Mr. Lyell to present my sincere thanks 
to those gentlemen who thought me worthy their attention ; 
and observed to him in the close, in these words: — " Were 
it the intention of your Vestry to call a joint Rector, it would 
be another matter ; but I could not feel myself at liberty to 
accept of the station of an Assistant." 

Let it be remembered, that this was in June, 1805. 

In April, the year following, namely, 1806, I was called 
to attend a meeting of the Standing Committee of the State 
of New Jersey, (of which 1 was a member,) to be held at 
Burlington, for the purpose of examining and recommending 
the Rev. Mr. Rudd, of Elizabethtown, for Priest's Orders. 



IV APPENBIX. 

PRESENT, 

Rev. Dr Wharton, William Cox, Esq. and 

Rev. Mr. Croes, Joshua M.Wallace, Esq. 

Rev. Mr. Feltus. 

When the board was formed at the Parsonage House, a 
letter was presented from the candidate, pleading indispo- 
sition, for non-attendance, and a second letter from the Rev. 
Dr. Hobart of New York, in high terms of Mr. Rudd. 
These letters, with a written sermon from Mr. Rudd, were 
advanced as a substitute for his personal attendance, and ex- 
amination. 

Mr. Wallace and I objected, that we had never seen the 
gentleman, who was candidate ; that in his letter before the 
Board, he acknowledged himself incompetent to an examina- 
tion ; and moreover, that the fourth Canon of the State ex- 
pressly demanded his attendance, in these words : " The 
Standing Committee, until a Bishop be appointed, shall ex- 
amine every candidate for Holy Orders, in the qualifications 
required by the General Convention," &c. 

Two of the gentlemen, however, were in favour of giving 
him the requisite recommendation to the Bishop ; and the 
President gave them the casting vote. They accordingly 
recommended him : against which the following was entered 
on the minutes of the Board. 

" DISSENTIENT. 

** Because it appears to the Dissentients that the 4th Canon 
of the State makes a personal attendance of the Candidate 
before the Standing Committee necessary, that the Commit- 
tee may judge for themselves of certain qualifications in the 
Candidate, supposed by them to be required by the said 
Canon ; and for which purpose they think no letters nor cer- 
tificates are sufficient. 

(Signed) H. J. FELTUS, 

JOSH. M. WALLACE." 

That Dr. Hobart's letter was not received as all-sufficient, 
I soon after heard and discovered gave serious offence to the 
Rev. author ; and from that period I have dated his incessant 
and increasing persecutions. 

The year following, 1807, from the meeting of the Con- 
vention at Elizabeth Town, I visited New York, and found 



APPENDIX. V 

that, as I had heard before, attempts were made to injure my 
reputation in the city, by insinuations of irregularity in a 
former visit to the city, in attending some Society Meetings, 
to which, as I before observed, I had been warmly invited 
by the Rev. Mr. Lyell. 

I called on the Bishop to explain to him circumstances. 
Dr. Hobart was there ; and 1 could be at no loss to deter- 
mine from what quarter those reports of irregularity had been 
circulated, from the imperious tone in which he, Dr. Hobart, 
undertook to censure, in the presence of the Bishop, my at- 
tendance on those Meetings, The same evening I saw the 
Rev. Mr. Lyell, and mentioned to him what had happened: 
he assured me in the most affectionate manner, that he was 
thankful for any services which I had performed among his 
people, and the next day wrote me the following note. 

June 2, 1807. 
Dear Brother, 

I forgot to mention to you last evening that should 
Mr. Warner request you, or should you, without being re- 
quested, feel disposed to attend any of the Society Meetings 
of my Congregation, it will be perfectly agreeable to me. 
You have my entire approbation, I wish to be explicit on 
this subject; because, from looking over your note of Sunday 
morning, I am afraid you think me unfriendly to those meet- 
ings, and that your attention to them in a former instance had 
given me uneasiness, which, as I informed you on Friday 
last, was not the case. The difficulties alluded to were not 
felt,, or complained of by me. They related, as I have been 
informed, to a Canon of the Church, which, to confess the 
truth, 1 knew not was in existence. 

My reasons for not attending those meetings are, as I men- 
tioned to you, ill health, and want of strength. I wish you 
would do me the kindness of mentioning these things, as you 
may find opportunity. 1 have attended them, since your 
last visit to this city; and shall, I hope, attend them again. 
May God make them meetings of great comfort to my 
people. 

Do give us the pleasure of your company to dine to-day. 
at 2 o'clock. 

Yours, &c. 

THO: LYELL. 



VI APPENDIX. 

This first point of minor consequence serves as. a clue to 
the second, viz. the false accusations drawn up against me. 

2d. While in New York I had promised to officiate for 
the Bishop on Sunday forenoon and afternoon, and for Mr. 
Lyeil, at Christ's Church, in the evening : but by particular 
request of some gentlemen from Brooklyn, and with the ap- 
probation of the Bishop, my forenoon service was occupied in 
Brooklyn — the other appointments were filled up as I had 
promised. 

I had no idea of visiting Brooklyn with a view to settle 
there; the invitation I considered as merely complimentary, 
and as such I consented to preach there once only. The re- 
sult however was, that on the Tuesday following, as I was 
returning home, I received a call from that congregation, 
(here follows an extract. ) 

" Rev. and Dear Sir, 

" Several gentlemen of the Vestry of St. Ann's 
" Church, Brooklyn, having had the happiness of hearing 
" your discourses in the City of New- York, and likewise 
" been favoured with your agreeable company, and the per- 
'^ formance of divine service once in this place, they beg 
" leave to express their approbation — and we entreat your 
^^ acceptance of a call to the Rectorship of this Church," &c. 

On my departure from the city it was quickly circulated, 
that Feltus had actually received a call to the Church at 
Brooklyn. This was an alarming circumstance to Dr. Ho- 
bart. He had long exerted his influence to supply the vacant 
Churches to answer his own purpose. Mr. Chapman* was 
the gentleman he intended for this situation. He, Mr. Chap- 
man, had been introduced but a few days before to this Con- 
gregation, with a letter from Dr. Hobart, speaking of him to 
the gentlemen of Brooklyn in the highest terms possible. 
His plan, however, did not in this instance succeed ; and 
some desperate measures were now resorted to, to prevent if 
possible, the call that / had received to this Church being of 
any service. 

* Let it not be supposed, that any disrespect is here intended to Mr. 
Chapnian When I sat as a member of the Standing Committee that ex- 
amined him, I thought he bid fair to be a useful Clergyman: and have 
never had any reason to alter my opinion of the gentleman. 



APPENDIX. Vll 

I left New York, as I supposed, and firmly believed, in 
entire friendship with my Brethren in general, particularly 
with Mr. Lyell ; but to my utmost astonishment, I was not 
many days at home when I received the following note from 
one of the members of Trinity Church. 

New York, June IQth, 1807. 
Dear and Rev. Sir, 

It may perhaps excite some little surprise, at your 
receiving this, from one, whom, probably, you will hardly 
recollect. The object of it, however, is, that having con- 
versed with a gentleman in this city, respecting you ; in the 
course of the conversation, he observed, that he had been in- 
formed, that you had been heard to declare, ** that should 
you be, or was you able to raise a congregation in this city, 
that you would throw oif all control of the Bishop, and should 
disregard his authority; — or words to that effect." I took 
the liberty to express my disbelief of the fact; and also, that 
I conceived it to be a thing which you ought injustice to be 
informed of; and that I should write you a line upon the 
subject, not doubting but you will do me the favour to send 
me a few lines, either to explain any observations made by 
you, which might be wrested or misconstrued ; or afford me 
the satisfaction to authorize me to deny it in positive terms. 
I shall anxiously wait for it : in the interim, 
I am, very respectfully. 

Sir, your most obedient servant, 

GARRIT H. VAN WAGENEN. 

And here it may be proper to observe, that uneasiness had 
existed for some time in the congregation of Christ's Church, 
in consequence (as I have been informed) of the ill health of 
the Rector not permitting him to fill up the Sunday evening 
and Wednesday evening services, as was said he had agreed 
to do. I have also been informed, that some gentlemen, vo- 
lunteering their services, waited on Mr. Lyell, and proposed 
to him to make way for a joint Rector, so that all the services 
might be filled up. Who those gentlemen were, I have never 
known nor heard. In the course of this conversation, (as I 
am informed) one of them happened to mention my name: 
upon which Mr. Lyell asked, whether they had any promise, 
or assurance from me, that I would accept of the station } to 
which it was answered, they had not. Upon this, Mr. Lvell 



VUl APPENDIX. 

informed them that they had better write to me, and know 
mj^ mind on the subject, before any alteration should be 
made. — And indeed, well might they say, that they had no 
promise nor communication with me on the subject, as those 
o;entlemen have since declared to different persons, and are 
now ready to make oath if required, that the interview with 
Mr. Lyell was at their own discretion, and the mentioning 
of my name the mere effect of their own partiality 

This slender circumstance, however, was deemed sufficient 
to answer the press of the moment. Feltus was an object of 
jealousy, and Feltus must be prevented coming into the Dio- 
cese, if possible. For this purpose, Dr. Hobart drew up a 
sheet oi false accusations d.^2dnst me, and employed a young 
gentleman, a Mr. Berrian, a candidate for the Ministry, as 
his humble servant, to carry this instrument to the different 
Clergy, with his, Dr. Hobart's, circular to each, in which he 
pledged himself to prove the truth of those charges, and re- 
quested the support of their signatures, in order to my im- 
peachment; to obtain which signatures, this young gentle- 
man used his best persuasions with those who hesitated. 

The victory was now supposed to be complete. The sacred 
professions of candor, and sincerity, and love of order, and 
G-are for essentials, were strung round the unfortunate victim 
intended for sacrifice. The instrument was signed and de- 
livered to the Bishop. The Vestry of Brooklyn were made 
acquainted with my impeachment, and the sheet of charges 
with the signatures was shown to the Wardens of the Church! 
Nay more, the Rev. Mr. Wilmer of Maryland was written 
to by one of the gentlemen in Dr. Hobart's interest, inviting 
him to come on, with a view to settle at Brooklyn ; and that 
he might count on the support of the Clergy of the city. 
This circumstance was declared to me by Mr. Wilmer him- 
self— (and this let it be remembered, was after I had re- 
ceived a call to the Church at Brooklyn. ) 

All this was done while Ivvas toiling with the afflictions of 
a sick family, more than a liundred miles distant, totally ig- 
norant of what was going on against me. 

When I received the letter last inserted from Mr. Garrit 
H. Vanwagenen, as I knew not what to make of it, I present- 
ed it to Bishop White of Philadelphia. I was not acquainted 
with the person, nor even with the name of that gentleman, 
who served as the instrument of Divine Providence to pre- 
vent the ruin of myself and family, in the destruction of my 
reputation. 



APPENDIX. iX 

1 was soon, however, informed of the respectable and 
pious character of the writer : and Bishop White having per- 
fect knowledge of my deportment, for near nine years before 
— he assured me, that I might make myself easy on the sub- 
ject ; for he would prevent such reports from injuring me, by 
writing himself, immediately, to Bishop Moore, on the sub- 
ject. This he accordingly did ; and his letter was accom- 
panied by another from me : an extract from which here 
follows: 

^' I am exceedingly concerned to be informed, that 

reports inimical to my reputation, have received some atten- 
tion from respectable individuals in your city ; namely, that 
I should have said, or signified in some form, that '' should I 
be able to raise a Congregation in New York, I should dis- 
regard the control of the Bishop, and would throw oflf his 
authority ; — or something to that purpose." Now, sir, I most 
solemnly declare to you, on the honour and probity of a 
Christian — that no such idea has ever escaped from my lips, 
in any form, in any place, at any time ; nor any thing that 
could have led, in any shape, to such a report : nor has such 
a thought ever passed through my mind in my life," &c. 

I also drew a rough copy of the same letter, and sent it to 
Mr. Van Wagenen ; and at the same time v/rote to the Ves- 
try at Brooklyn, that it was not in my power to give them an 
answer to their call, and stated the reasons why, namely, the 
reports raised against me. 

After a period, however, of about two months, I informed 
the Brooklyn Vestry, that they were at perfect liberty to 
call any other Clergyman they thought proper ; but if it was 
still their united wish to press the call they had already pre- 
sented, (and which under present circumstances they would 
do well to consider,) I would endeavour to render them the 
best services in my power. To this I received this decided 

answer in the words following: " Having given you a 

call to be the Rector and Minister of the Church of St. Ann's, 
in this place, we have fixed our attention on you ; — and hear- 
tily accept of your proffered services. — The good Bishop will 
be happy to hear of your coming into his Diocese : he has 
seen your letter and approved of it," &c. 

Nothing could have induced me to accept the invitation to 
Brooklyn but the conclusion that I saw must have irresistibly 



X APPENDIX. 

followed, and crowned the machinations of Dr. Hobart; 
namely, that the call was rendered nugatory by the disco^ 
very and proof of my being unworthy of the station. 

If any should be disposed to inquire how I became ac* 
cjuainted with the circumstance of Mr. Wilmer's being writ- 
ten to, in order to supercede me at Brooklyn? I answer, by 
the interposition of that Divine Providence who is the pro- 
tector of innocence and the avenger of wrongs. 

At the request of the Vestry of Swedesborough I had writ- 
ten to this very gentleman, Mr. Wilmer, inviting him to 
visit that Church with a view to succeed me. He accord- 
ingly accepted the invitation, and riding with him to visit 
some of the Congregation, he mentioned to me, that *' he 
understood I had given up going to Brooklyn, and that he 
himself had received but a little before he left home, a press- 
ing invitation to visit New York, with a view to settle at 
Brooklyn, and that he might count upon being supported by 
the Clergy of the citj'." I expressed my astonishment at this 
information, and instantly inquired who had so written to 
^im ? To which he replied, that the Rev. Mr. Lyell had. 
I requested a copy of the letter ; but Mr. Wilmer took the 
alarm, and absolutely refused even showing it. 

On my arrival at Brooklyn, from the indisposition of my 
family, considerably renewed by the fatigue of moving — the 
depression of mind, occasioned by leaving a numerous, pious 
and affectionate people — the cares of a new congregation, and 
above all, the storm of unjust prejudice raised against me in 
the city and among my Brethren by the misrepresentations 
of Dr. Hobart — my feelings can more readily be conceived 
than described. But this simple, uncoloured statement stands 
in DO need of an appeal to feelings. 

As soon as I had leisure, I endeavoured to develope the 
plan formed against me; but could obtain no satisfaction, nor 
could I learn why the Rev. Dr. Hobart, who had so solemnly 
pledged himself to support the truth of the charges which he 
drew up against me, had so suddenly desisted from his intend- 
ed impeachment, without being able to give any reason to 
the Bishop, or to those gentlemen whom he imposed on so 
far as to obtain their signatures to those charges. But as I 
was disposed to make every sacrifice for peace, as my con- 
science attested that I was clear of offence — and as I was well 
persuaded, that however tardy in its progress, truth must in 
the end become triumphant. I submitted to the whole in 
silence. 



APPE>'Di:X. XI 

But 1 was not yet to have rest. This opens a new and un» 
heard of scene of persecution. 

S. At my coming to Brooklyn, 1 brought with me the fol-. 
lowing Testimonials from the Church at Swedesborough, and 
from Bishop White of Philadelphia. 

The Wardens and Vestrymen of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, called Trinity Church, at Swedesborough, in the 
county of Gloucester, and State of New Jersey — to all to 
whom these presents may come, respectfully send greeting : 
Whereas, the Rev. Henry J. Feltus having been Rector of 
said Church, for near six years, and being about to give up 
his Pastoral charge, here, and remove to Brooklyn, in the 
State of New York ; they feel it to be their duty, as well 
from motives of justice, as gratitude, to certify, That during 
his residence in this place, he has performed the several du- 
ties of Rector and Pastor of this Church to great satisfaction; 
that in the exercise of his Ministerial duties, in season, and 
out of season, he has been faithful, zealous, and evangelical : 
and with grateful pleasure we add, that through the divine 
blessing, his labours amongst us have been successful ; that 
his conversation while here, both in public and in private, 
has, we believe, been consistent with the important and re- 
sponsible character with which he is clothed ; that with re- 
spect to this Church and Congregation, we view his removal 
as a dispensation of Providence, bearing a frowning aspect; 
but considering it in reference to the Church at large, and 
the sovereign right of its supreme and adorable head, to direct 
all its concerns, and believing that they will be so directed, 
that his glory, and the best interests of his Church will be 
promoted : We consent to the painful separation, declaring, 
that this is done, on our part, towards him and his family, in 
Christian love, fellowship, and affection. And we pray God 
to make his life comfortable, his labours eminently useful, 
and his end happy. 

Dated the 21st of September, 1807. 

Andrew Hendrickson,^ ^^ , 

Charles Lock, 5 hardens. 
Thomas Batton, William Dyer, 

John Daniels, Daniel England, 

Daniel Stanton, David Wolf, 

Peter T^ock, William Denny, 

John Lock^ Cptn. S^amnel Black, 



•XI I APPENDIX V 

Philadelphia, September 22, 1807. 
Although the Rev. Henry J. Feltus, late Rector of the 
Episcopal Ghurch in Svvedesborough, was not, in that 
character, under my superintendence; yet his residence 
having been not many miles from this city, I have had fre- 
quent opportunities of hearing of his deportment, and of the 
estimation in which he has been held. In consequence of 
the above, I certify, That I believe his conduct to have been 
exemplary, and his Ministry to have been useful. 
Witness my hand, 

WILLIAM WHITE, Bishop of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, in the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania. 

These testimonials were left with Bishop Moore, after 
they were shown to the Vestry at Brooklyn. Dr. Hobart 
read them. All was quiet till after the Convention ; when I 
was informed that a new attack was made on my reputation 
which required my prompt attention : that Dr. Hobart had 
roundly asserted to different persons, that I had forged the 
testimonials presented to the Bishop, and that this was 
becoming a topic of general conversation, I informed one of 
the gentlemen who told me, that it was in his power to 
be completely satisfied on this point. I gave him the names 
of some of the members of the Vestry at Swedesborough ^ and 
informed him he could write to them, and they would 
inform him whether these testimonials were forgery or not. 
Letters were accordingly written ; and the documents sent 
in answer, as soon as the Vestry of that Church could be 
convened, will be seen below. 

I am extremely sorry that Dr. Hobart should not rather 
have had the candor to acknowledge and lament, that haste 
of temper that betrayed him to such violence, than with 
equal boldness, when he could no longer maintain his 
ground, declare that he had never said so. 

He has called this " a vile slander ^"^ '' a base calumny ^^ 
&c. — Now, from the following depositions and documents it 
will be seen, (to use his own words) who is this vile slander- 
er, or who this base calumniator. 



I do hereby Certify, That some time prevoius to the insti- 
tution of the Rev. Mr. Feltus, in St. Ann's Church, Brook- 
lyn, and while Mr, Ireland was yet in Orders, that Mr. Ire- 



APPENDIX. XUi 

land told me Dr. Hobart had it in his power to prove Mr, 
Feltus to be guilty of forgery ; and that he was an impostor. 
This charge Mr. Ireland told me Dr. Hobart declared to him. 

JOHN H. MOORE. 
Brooklyn, April 23, 1811. 

I have merely exhibited the above ; there are many that 
can be presented to the same purpose. Here follows the de- 
position in full. 

All whom it may concern are hereby certified, That about 
the period of Rev. Mr. Feltus's call to Brooklyn, certain re- 
ports, highly prejudicial to the reputation of said Mr.F. were 
in circulation throughout that village. Anxious to ascertain 
the real character of the man who was to be my successor 
and nearest neighbour, 1 called on Rev. Mr. Hobart, with 
whom those reports were said to have originated, for the ex- 
press purpose of obtaining information. Mr. H. without he- 
sitation assured me, that Mr. F. was a disorderly, factious, 
dangerous man ; regardless of all Episcopal authority, and 
calculated to do a world of mischief in the Church. On my 
asking what he had done to authorize such an assurance, he 
told me that he had it in his power to prove Mr. F. guilty of 
having forged the testimonials which he had brought from 
Swedesborough. I naturally remarked, that this was a charge 
of a most serious nature, and presumed that it must be under- 
stood with some qualifications : and I proceeded to state a 
case, which Mr. H. might conceive to fall under the descrip- 
tion of forgery, but which, in a legal point of view, might 
fall short of it. His reply was to this efiect : — I perfectly 
understand the import of the term employed by me ; and do 
positively assert, not only that Mr. F. wrote the testimonials 
which he has produced, but also, that he himself signed the 
names attached to them. I next inquired if the Bishop had 
been made acquainted with this black transaction; and was 
answered — that certainly he was, and was taking steps to pre- 
vent the settlement of such c-ttle in his (the Bishop's) Diocese. 
As I, at that time, supposed Mr. H. to be incapable of ut- 
tering a wilful falsehood, I not only yielded implicit credence 
to his assertions, but immediately on my return to Brooklyn, 
communicated them (as I conceived it my duty to do) to cer- 
tain influential gentlemen there. A member of the Vestry, 
and one to whom I imparted the particulars above related, in- 



XIV APPENDIX. 

formed me that they had already heard of the charge ; and 
had hoped as well as myself, that it would have proved to be 
groundless. 

I have only to add, that from the unreserved manner in 
which Mr. H. made the foregoing communication to me, I 
inferred that he was desirous of giving it all necessary publi- 
city ; and I acted accordingly. 

Should it be necessary, I am willing and ready to make 
oath that the present statement is, as to substance, correct and 
true. Witness my hand, this 5th April, 1811. 

JNO. IRELAND. 

But, lest the shadow of a doubt should rest upon this sub- 
ject, I shall now present the deposition of one with whom 
Mr. Ireland never conversed in his life, and whose reputation, 
as a man of piety and candor, is not to be exceeded by any in 
the State. 

The Rev. Dr. Hobart having drawn up a sheet of charges, 
impeaching, as I thought, the moral character of the Rev. Mr. 
Feltus, and meeting him at Messrs. Swords's book store, I 
conversed with him on the subject, and invited a trial of the 
charges preferred against him, assured him I should prove 
them to be totally false. 

Shortly after the above conversation, Mr. Feltus moved to 
Brooklyn, bringing with him ample Testimonials from the 
congregation of Swedesborough, and also from Bishop White 
of Philadelphia, which Dr. Hobart had seen and read, they 
being left for inspection with Bishop Moore : and meeting 
Dr. Hobart in Wall street, I asked him if his opinion was not 
altered now with respect to Mr. Feltus. He made me this 
reply : No sir, I think worse of him now than before. I im- 
mediately asked, is there any new charge against him ? to 
which he replied, '' Yes; I charge him with forging his Tes-- 
Hnionials irom the Church of Swedesborough." Forgery, 
sir, I replied, is a high crime, I cannot believe it. He an- 
swered, " They are his own hand-writing : I have compared 
them with his letters, and am satisfied.'^ I told him I should 
write to Swedesborough on the subject, and if it was really so, 
he would forfeit my friendship /or ever. A letter was ac- 
cordingly wrote to the Church at Swedesborough ; the an- 
swer, with a copy of their minutes from the Journal, are 



APPENDIX. 



XV 



now to be seen, proving the charge to be a false and 
malicious slander. 

GEORGE WARNER. 
The above will be attested') 
to, if required. 3 

And that nothing may be wanting to compel convietioDj 
that this daring assertion of Dr. Hobart's, to use his own 
words, is " a base slander,'*^ here follow the documents that 
were forwarded in answer to the letters above alluded to, in 
order to stop the influence of those wicked reports. 

Swedesboroughf Nov. 16, 1807. 
George Warner, Esq. 
Dear Sir, 

The Vestry of Trinity Church, Swedesborough, 
having appointed Dr. James Stratton and myself, a committee 
on the 7th September last, to draw up a testimonial of 
respect, to be given to the Rector on his departure, and 
of his meritorious conduct, and services during his ministry 
amongst us — did accordingly prepare and present the same, 
after meeting the unanimous approbation of the Vestry and 
Congregation, to the said Henry James Feltus, the evening 
prior to his taking leave of us ; and least there might be any 
suspicions of our separating sensations, heightening the lan- 
guage of desert, we have now thought necessary to send 
you the enclosed certificates. 

With much respect, I am, dearSii', 

Your obedient, humble servant, 

RICHARD TITTERMARY. 
N. B. Be good enough to inform our mutual friend, J. H. 
Feltus, that Dr. James Stratton dictated the testimonial of 
respect, handed him, ere his departure from us, and presented 
the same to me, which was cordially approved and signed, 
and copied by his friend, my son, Robert Tittermary. 

R. T. 

[Extract from the Church Boofc'\ 

Swedesborough, Sept. 7, 1807. 
Resolved unanimously, That an honourable Testimonial be 
presented from this Board to the Rector, on his departure, 
expressive of our high approbation of his conduct and servi- 
ces, during his ministry in this Congregation. 



XVI APPENDIX. 

And resolved, That Richard Tittermary, . Esq. and Dr, 
James Stratton, or either of them, be a Committee to prepare 
said Testimonial to be signed. 

By Order. —r^^jf. 

DANIEL ENGLAND. 

We, the subscribers, being appointed by the Vestry of 
this Church, a Committee to draw up a Testimonial of re- 
spect, to be presented to the Rector on his departure — 
Agreeable to the above resolution did prepare the same ; and 
laid it before them on the Sabbath preceding his leaving us : 
who unanimously approved and signed the same ; u^hich 
viras, by their desire, handed to said Rector by one of this 
committee, on the evening before his departure ; ere which, 
he neither saw nor knew any of its contents. 

RICHARD TITTERMARY. 

JAMES STRATTON. 
Swedesborough, Nov. 16, 1807. 

We, the undersigned Vestry and Congregation of 
Trinity Church, at Swedesborough, did most cordially ap- 
prove and sign the Testimonial laid before us by the Com- 
mittee appointed for that purpose, expressive of our affection 
and high approbation of the conduct and services of the 
Rector hereof, during his stay amongst us ; and lest it might 
be premised that the tide of affection at our separation had 
dictated more than he merited, we do hereby declare, that 
that Testimonial of our respect and affection for the Rev. 
Henry J. Feltus, late Rector of this Church, was our real 
sentiments at the time of signing, and still continues so 
to be. 

Swedesborough, Nov, 16, 1807. 

RICHARD TITTERMARY, 

JAMES STRATTON, 

ANDW. HENDRICKSON, Warden. 

THOMAS BATTEN, 

PETER LOCK, 

DANIEL ENGLAND, 

JOHN LOCK, Cptn, 

DAVID WOLF, 

WILLIAM DYER, 

SAMUEL BLACK, 

JOHN VANDYKE, Sexton of the Yard 



APPENDIX. XVll 

Let it be remembered, that Mr. Warner waitisd on Dr. Ho= 
bart, and showed these papers to him, to confront his accusa- 
tions, though Dr. Hobart has since affected entire ignorance 
of the subject, when charged with it. 

There is but one point more that at present I shall notice^ 
namely : 

4. Dr. Hobart's refusing to be reconciled. — But this was 
what might naturally be expected — 

Forgiveness to the injured doth belong — 
They never can forgive that do the wrong-. 

But I was not disposed to withhold the trial. I liad fre- 
quently conversed with a number of pious and respectable 
gentlemen of Trinity Church, on the subject, who expressed 
their earnest desire, that all matters of difference between 
myself and Dr. Hobart might be set at rest. Some of those 
gentlemen mentioned, that they had spoken to Dr. Hobart on 
the subject ; others, that they had no doubt that an interview 
would be productive of a perfect reconciliation. My mind 
resisted the idea at first ; as I was not conscious of having 
wilfully offended Dr. Hobart in any respect, I felt rather dis- 
posed (after being now two years in the Diocese) to submit 
the whole conduct of that gentleman, to the Bishop and Bre- 
thren in Convocation, at the coming Convention. In order, 
however, to prevent confusion in the Church, I was willing, 
in the first place, to try the advice of our mutual friends in 
the force of a personal interview. 

I, therefore, wrote to Dr. Hobart, informing him, that I 
wished to have some conversation with him ; that I should be 
happy to see him at the parsonage house in Brooklyn ; but he 
was at liberty to suit his own convenience, as to time and 
place. He informed me in return, that he would see me at 
his own house in Greenwich street, and appointed the hour. 
I attended accordingly at the time, with a full determination 
that nothing should be wanting on my part, to a cordial and 
Christian reconciliation. But I was much mistaken to sup- 
pose this possible. 

After some circuitous conversation, I introduced the sub- 
ject, the particular business of the interview. Dr. Hobart im- 
mediately became warm, and said several severe things in a 
general way, among others, he spoke in a supercilious man- 
ner of gentlemen entering the Church, without proper qualifi- 
cations. What he had in view, I could not conceive ; but 
3* 



X-VJlll APPENDIX. 

supposing he intended the application for me, I informed him 
that the period in which I entered, was an honourable pe« 
riod ; when no dispensing power whatever was permitted to 
exist, with the Standing Committees, nor even with the 
Bishops themselves ; that I had sustained a literary exami- 
nation, and that I had no doubt the learned gentlemen in Phi- 
ladelphia who were my examiners, had performed their duty 
faithfully. To this he replied, I have understood so, but how 
far ? to which I answered, as far as they thought proper, — - 
till they were satisfied : — they were not limited, and I pre- 
sumed they were the most competent judges. I now con- 
ceived that the gentleman intended insult, and informed him 
that my object was peace; that this interview was at the de- 
sire of our mutual friends of his own congregation ; and more^ 
that it was my sincere desire, that whatever cause of differ- 
ence subsisted between us might be cleared up, or buried in 
oblivion ; that I was not conscious of having offended any 
man ; that if he had any thing against me, he ought to point 
it out and prove it, and be at rest, that we might live in 
friendship as brethren and as Christians. 

To all this his general answer v^ras, " that he knew all these 
gentlemen to whom I had reference ; that they had spoken 
to him on the subject ; that they were not to dictate to him; 
and that he conceived himself at liberty to practice what de- 
portment he thought proper to any of the Clergy. 

This was the result of the interview, the only fruit of my 
proposals for peace. And from this time as before, not only 
has his deportment towards me been, as opportunity offered, 
equally intolerant and persecuting, but he has insulted and 
persecuted others because they would not, they could not, 
join with him in his unrighteous conduct. Mr. Jones has 
been cruelly abused on my account, both by Dr. Hobart and 
Mr. How, particularly for changing pulpits with me. This 
was high treason against Dr. Hobart ; because by a measure 
of this kind the general prejudice against me, created by mis- 
representations of the Rev. gentlemen, vrere in danger of be- 
ing removed. But I shall desist for the present. 

From the foregoing plain statement, it will sufficiently 
appear to every candid mind, that the points proposed at 
the opening of this paper are fairly established. I have 
added long suffering to patience. My conscience tells me 
that I have done all that as a man, that as a Christian, 
tbat as a minister of Christ I ought to do, or could be 



APPJE^iDIX, XIX' 

expected to do, for the sake of peace ; and morej per- 
haps, than was my duty to have done. Dr. Hobart had it 
in his power, when I had subdued my feelings so far as to 
wait on him, to have prevented these things coming against 
him ; but as he had advanced so far in persecution, he found 
it easier to go on, with the prospect of driving me from the 
Diocese, (especially as he had Mr. How to assist him) than 
with the honesty of a gentleman, with the piety and candor 
of a Christian, to retrace his steps, and to acknowledge his 
mistakes. In this, however, he has only been successful in 
deceiving himself: I am not to be shaken by his terrors. 

Let my brethren in the Ministry, for whose information 
exclusively this uncoloured statement is drawn up, remem- 
ber, that the oppression of an individual leads to the oppres- 
sion of every Clergyman in the State. I feel that I am sup- 
porting their independence as well as my own, exposing those 
plain truths against the violence of Dr. Hobart. When I 
look through the Diocese, and behold some of the most res- 
pectable situations, requiring age and experience, instantly 
filled up with young gentlemen just entering the Ministry : 
while learning and talents, and long services are kept in the 
back ground, and their influence cramped and lessened by the 
narrowness of their situations : — When I perceive, that as 
soon as a vacancy offers in the city or country, it is instantly 
s^zed on, so that the people can scarcely be said to have a 
choice, from the misrepresentations that are let loose against 
some, and the overrating and extravagant praises that are 
poured forth in favour of others; (and all this, for what pur- 
pose is now but too evident to be mistaken) 1 cannot but 
hope that the good sense of my brethren will refuse their sup- 
port to the principal instruments of this shameful system of 
favouritism and proscription. 

I cannot but hope, and pray God, that if the mitre must be 
shared with that venerable head that now supports it, it may 
rest upon a man of a peaceable and quiet disposition, a pious 
and humble mind, a man deeply sensible of the involuntary 
failings of human nature in himself, and alive to fan the devo- 
tions and to guard the quiet and the reputation of his brethren. 

HENRY .T. FELTTTS. 

Brooklyn, Mm^ I si, l«n. 






No. 11. 



The Rev. C. Jones, for several years an assistant Minister 
of Trinity Church, along with yourself, made, in the year 
1811, a solemn appeal to the Church in consequence of your 
efforts for his ruin. He was found not subservient to your 
wishes, and he was driven from one appointment after ano- 
ther ; at length, his connection with Trinity Church was com- 
pletely severed. He thus speaks in the course of his pam- 
phlet : 

** The Church throughout this State has been summoned to 
meet in special Convention in the short space of five or six 
weeks. This measure has been effected without the least in- 
timation being made to several of the elder Clergy of this 
city, indeed, to all who have hitherto been named, together 
with myself, except Dr. Hobart ; only so far as it has come 
to our ears by general report. It is moreover, as is known, 
and is avowed, urged for the express purpose of advancing 
Dr. Hobart to the responsible, the important office of a 
Bishop; an office, on the proper discharge of which, the 
peace, the good order, and the prosperity of our Zion most 
intimately depend. Now others, together with myself, do in 
our hearts believe, that Dr. Hobart is, on several accounts, ut- 
terly unfit for the office. We do believe, (and we solemnly ap- 
peal to the heart-searching God for the sincerity of our convic- 
tion,) that his advancement will be promotive of a system of 
tyranny and intolerance, utterly incompatible with the state 
of things in this country ; that it will be productive of great 
dissatisfaction and disunion in the Church ; and that it will 
subject the Clergy to a state of servile submission, which 
would be highly disgraceful, and incompatible with the sa- 
credness and religious responsibility of their character. We 
say nothing of his abilities. These we are ready to allow in 
their due extent. But we do think that he has particular 
traits of character, that he has qualities of mind and of hearty 
which far more than counterbalance whatever claim he may 
have to abilities, in disqualifying him for that high and mo- 
mentous trust. 

^< For Dr. Hobart I had the most ardent affection. During 



sieveral of the first years of our Ministry together, 1 loved 
him as a brother; and I was ready on all occasions to pro- 
mote his advancement ; and did uniformly aid, or rather take 
the first steps, in placing him in the fore-ground ; while I 
was content myself to remain out of view. It was not till I 
was led to believe that the attainment of power and influ- 
ence, that self-exaltation was his ruling motive of action — 
it was not till this, that I was Jed to regard him with any 
other sentiments." 

Speaking concerning a recommendation for orders of a per- 
son not agreeable to you, you are stated to have said to Mr. 
Jones words concerning the great impropriety of his giving 
any countenance to one to whom yoit were opposed ; which 
led Mr. Jones to say, 

"After I had thus consulted the chief Officer of the Church, 
and got his assent, I did not suppose it was necessary to ask 
permission of any one of my brethren, before 1 should ven- 
ture to proceed. 

" I have generally found that I was called upon when it 
was founa convenient to make use of my services ; at other 
times, you could get on very smoothly without me.'^ 

The Rev. Mr. Harris, a friend of both, sought a reconcili- 
ation between Mr. Jones and yourself, when you, by inso- 
lent language had insulted Mr. J. 

" These preliminaries and propositions (says Mr. J.) were 
made known to me. The latter met with my ready and 
hearty assent, as they have always been the first wish of my 
heart ; and indeed a departure from them, as I conceived, on 
the part of Dr. Hobart, was the great cause of complaint." 

A sum of money having been voted by a Society in New 
York, with a view to the issuing of certain publications, and 
the expenditure of that money placed under your care; such 
were the facts in relation to your mode of expenditure, that 
Mr. Jones wrote concerning them thus : 

" It was my expectation to be able to forward you before 
this some parcels of Jones' Churchman's Catechism, and 
Wall's small tract on infant Baptism. We had made an ap- 
propriation for this purpose, and appointed Dr. Hobart to get 
them printed. But I have waited in constant exnectation of 



-\XU APPENDIX. 

seeing them come out ; though have heard nothing of them 
since, till the other day 1 inquired of the printer, and found 
that Mr. Hobart had applied the money another way, as suit- 
ed his own wishes and views. This, I am sorry to say to you, 
is the way in which too much of the public business of the 
Church is transacted. It is time that some inquiry should be 
made.^^ 

You were engaged in a controversy with Presbyterians in 
New York ; Mr. Jones thought proper to say, 

^*I do not approve of the controversy; I never have ap- 
proved of the controversy. And in this T am not singular. 
Several of my Brethren in the Ministry are of the same sen- 
timents. And from this consideration, in good measure, has 
the unwarrantable opposition to us arisen. We will not yield 
to those who are willing to rush into the front ranks of the 
contest ; we will not yield in attachment to the Church ; in 
admiration of her principles, in affection for her government 
and worship, or in acknowledgment of the divine authority 
of her priesthood. Nor will we blame any for inculcating 
these points on their own people, and from their#own pul- 
pits. And we are willing to allow the same right to 
other denominations. But we do disapprove, and we have 
disapproved, on both sides of the question, of bringing these 
matters into public contest. We disapprove of it, because it 
is imprudent, it is inexpedient, it is attended with little good, 
and is the cause of much evil.'' 

** I was the eulogist, and not only so, but the warm and ac- 
tive friend of Dr. Hobart : and I was so, because I verily did 
believe him deserving of every thing which I said or did for 
him. But, for some time before the period referred to, mat- 
ters began to wear a different aspect. A selfish spirit began to 
unfold itself. Self-exaltation evidently appeared to me, to be 
his ruling motive of action. This persuasion, a train of events 
seemed fully to justify. He had been assuming power and 
authority into his hands, to which he was not entitled. He 
had been endeavouring to get his particular subservient cleri- 
cal friends, one after another, into the Church in this city ; 
and had used his utmost exertions to keep out every one who 
might seem to be likely to stand in the way of his plans. To 
establish these points, by adducing particular instances, would 
carry me too far beyond my object at present. I must recur 
to them on somp future occasion, should it be found necessa- 



AJ?PfiNDIX. XXlll 

ry. But there is one matter of moment, illustrative of this 
system, which ought to be particularly noted here, because it 
belongs expressly to this period, I must beg to be indulged 
in stating it clearly. 

*<It is uniformly the policy of Trinity Church, and it is 
certainly a sound, and a wise policy, to guard against every 
thing like electioneering, in the choice of Vestries. In a body 
of so much, and such momentous business, the prevalence of 
a spirit of intrigue at elections, would be attended with the 
most direful effects. This sentiment I had often heard ex- 
pressed by Dr. Hobart. But in 1808, he departed from it, 
to serve his own purpose. I must be allowed to speak plainly. 
Truth, and my own vindication, require it of me. 

" In order to guard against all division and opposition, it fs 
usual, previous to an election, for the committee of leases to 
make out a ticket of such as are thought to be suitable for 
members ; and there is seldom any opposition ticket run. It 
happened, that at the Easter election in 1808, two vacancies 
were to be filled up. Dr. Hobart had used all his influence 
to get his bosom friend, Mr. Mackie, nominated. In this he 
proved unsuccessful. His next object was to carry the point 
by electioneering. For this purpose, a person was sent to 
Trinity Church to influence the members as they came up to 
vote, and to put tickets into their hands : and that person 
loas sent by Dr. Hobart. This I assert positively, and with- 
out fear of contradiction. And, if Dr. Hobart is disposed to 
deny, I pledge myself to establish it by irrefragable proof. 
Let it be remembered, I wish not to insinuate by this, any 
unfavourable idea with respect to Mr. Mackie. As a mem- 
ber of the Church, and an excellent man, I highly respect 
him. But, against the other member proposed, no objection 
was to be made. And against the confidential and warm friend 
of my colleague, there was this reasonable objection — that 
it would be tantamount to giving Dr. Hobart a seat at the 
Board. I had, however, nothing to do with the elections. It 
was not by business, and I never have interfered.^' 

Great fault was found by you in New York with the Rev. 
(now Bishop) R. C. Moore, and the Rev. H. J. Feltus, for 
doing acts for which the Reformers and Martyrs would have 
praised them and blessed God, viz : encouraging their com- 
municants to pray now and then among themselves, and oc- 
casionally going to prayer in their presence. The Lord 



XX iV APPJEJiPXX. 

comfort the poor men and women who happen, uow-a-dayc> 
to do as they did in apostolic days, viz : meet in an upper 
room of an evening for prayer ! They are h'ttle encouraged 
by the authorities of the Episcopal Church. They might 
play cards, even to gambling ; dance every evening, &c. and 
not one fourth so much be said against such matters. In New 
York the resolution of Dr. How, your counsellor, and your- 
self was, that no official intercourse could take place be- 
tween you and Mr. Jones because the praying Dr. Moore 
"was invited by him into his pulpit. Now would this have 
been tolerated in the days of Cranmer, when he asked Peter 
Martyr, a Presbyterian^ to become Professor of Divinity at 
Oxford ? Would your conduct have been tolerated in the 
days of Ridley, who invited the grand founder of Presbj'^te- 
rianism in Scotland, John Knox, to preach in cathedral pul- 
pits ? I trow New York goes far nearer to a spirit of intol- 
erance than the Reformers and Martyrs did. But, in process 
of time, men become wiser. 

After saying — ** Mr. How and Mr. Lyell, with considera- 
ble warmth, here interrupted : ' Do you then intend to charge 
us with being violent?' 'Gentlemen,' said I, '1 am not 
speaking of your conduct : I am only vindicating my own.' " 
Mr. Jones continues — " In some connexion, which I do not 
recollect, Mr. How declared without qualification, that Dr. 
Moore was unfit to be in the Ministry. And Mr. Feltus, he 
said, had acted a shameful part, in having any thing to say to 
such a wretch as Ireland. He ought not to have treated him 
with common civility. He ought not even to have spoken to 
him. ' Oh,' said I, ^ Mr. How, surely we ought to pity 
while we condemn ; and to feel for an unhappy mortal, even 
while we consider it our duty to be the inflictors of punish- 
ment' * No,' said he, 'a wretch that is under the censures 
the Church, ought not to have the least countenance.* We 
ought to extend to him nothing but the necessary offices of 
mercy.' ' Well,' I replied, ' I can never believe that the 
censures of the Church are to steel the heart against the feel- 
ings of humanity.' 

* II0W5 at that veiy peirod, ^yas, very probably, committing the atrcrJ 
ous deeds which at !a?t caused his degi'adation. 



" Mr. Lyeli then j3Ut the question, • what do you think of 
Dr. Moore— is he not living in the breach of a Canon ?' I an- 
swered, * with regard to this, I will answer you with candor. 
With respect to these Societies, (though I much disapprove 
of them, and have used all mj' influence with Dr. Moore to 
persuade him to relinquish them) there is certainly no Canon 
against them, as such. And as to the using of extempore 
prayer, after the lecture, which is either all that Dr. Moore 
does, or intends to do, 1 cannot take upon me to say that it is 
an express breach of the Canon ; because I had it from Mr. 
Dehon,* that the question was left open to construction, and 
undecided by the Convention.' Besides, I remarked, * why 
should we be so very exact as to one, while others could vio- 
late the Rubric and Canons, without molestation or censure?' 
Mr. How asked, < who did so ?' I answered, * why Mr. Lyell 
here himself either does, or has done it ; and no fault was 
found, and no interruption of intercourse was produced.' Mr. 
Lyell then fell into a violent fit of anger, and denied the fact; 
though I afterwards, by reference to circumstances, softened 
him down.t He ' then pleaded the necessity of the case,' as I 
reminded him, and Dr. Moore now did the same. Mr. How re- 
marked, every case must be considered by itself, and stand 
on its own foundation. 

" In an earlier part of the conversation, mention was made 
of some anonymous letters which had lately been received by 
the Bishop and others ; and Mr. Lyell, by several remarks, 
endeavoured to impress those present with the idea that Dr. 
Moore is to be suspected as the author. I could not help re- 
marking that I hoped he was incapable of so base and mean 
an act. It was also observed by the same gentleman, with 
considerable warmth, though I do not immediately remem- 
ber the connexion, that Dr, Moore must beware, for that 
there is a rising spirit of discipline taking place in the Church, 
which perhaps will place him just where he ought to be. I 
answered, it appeared to me, this would be the proper mode 
of procedure : if Dr. Moore is acting amiss, let him be called to 
account, and then every one would know what ground to take. 

" <Dr. Moore,' said Mr. Lyell, 'we know has been from 
the first loud in his objections to the measure.' ' And Mr. 
Harris,' I added, ' you know has entered his protest against 
it.' ' Yes,' he exclaimed, * and we ought to take care that Mr, 

* Who was a member of the Convention by which the Canons were revised. 
fThe fact, however, is susceptible of proof. 

4^ 



XXft^l AVPBNPIX. 

Harris shall have nothing more to do with the managemeut 
of the general concerns of the Church." 

Your views concerning Dr. Moore, &c. you never hesita- 
ted to express. Insisting on not inviting him to preach, you 
stated — 

" Dr. Moore, in particular, is in the habit of railing against 
his brethren, and me especially, as not only ambitious, but 
actuated by unworthy motives. And my opinion with re- 
gard to Mr. Feltus, is the same that it always has been, and 
that he is a man who is not to be depended on. We have, 
therefore, come to a determination, that we cannot have any 
intercourse with any person who will interchange with them." 

You appear to have very frequently threatened thus : 
*^ When we had arrived at the door of the Church, Dr. Ho* 
hart remarked, If you are desirous of preserving friendship, 
what has passed between us had better not be talked of. But 
if you choose to make it known, and to represent yourself as 
persecuted, we shall then be obliged to explain circumstances, 
which will make the case appear in a different light." 

Bishop B. Moore, then presiding in New York, said re- 
peatedly, though he was unfavourably disposed towards the 
" Societies," he knew no Canon against them. He, on one 
occasion, when Dr. R. C. Moore determined he would use 
no other than the Church service in his Societies, spoke very 
favourably of Dr. M. 

" On the 7th of May, (says Mr. Jones) I called on the 
Bishop, and stated the substance of the facts abovementioned, 
with regard to Dr. Moore's using none but the service of the 
Church, and desired of him to be so good as to inform me, 
what was the proper line of conduct for me to pursue. He 
gave to me as his opinion, that there was no longer any rea- 
's||^ why Dr. Moore should not be exchanged with, in the 
^pne manner as any other Clergyman. 

, y " Mr. Harris has informed me, that he has also waited on 
tiie Bishop, who gave to him the same opinion ; and more- 
, over, that the Bishop added as a reason, ' Dr. Moore is a very 
useful Clergyman, and a worthy man.' " 

Mr. J. thus countenanced as to intercourse with the ex- 
cellent Dr. Moore, determined to renew his exchanges. Be- 
fore doin^ so, he stated his design to you, saying — 



•APPJINPIX. XXV 11 

«» Dr. Moore has pledged himself to me, that he has at his 
last meeting, used nothing but the service of the Church, that 
it is his firm determination to use none other for the time to 
come, and that he has notified his people of such determina- 
tion. This, in my opinion, alters the ground entirely. What* 
ever may be my own private opinion with regard to the ex- 
pediency of society meetings — yet, as long as there is no rule 
of the Church violated thereby, every independent Rector 
must be left to his own discretion, as to what is expedient in 
his own parish. And I certainly have no right to take into 
my hands the authority of dictating. This, I have it from the 
Bishop, is his opinion in the case ; and I shall govern myself 
accordingly. It is my intention therefore, to interchange oc- 
casionally with Dr. Moore, as with the rest of my brethren, 
as long as he shall continue thus to use none but the service 
of the Church. 

" This intention vi^ill, I trust, be considered apart from all 
personal regards. Whatever private misunderstanding may 
be between yourself and Dr. Moore, it is not for me to inter- 
fere. My wish is, as it is certainly my duty, to act between 
you as friends — at least to me ; and it would be my happiness 
if I could make you such to one another. 

^' And now permit me. Rev. Sir, to expostulate with you 
on this case, and to beg of you to consider, whether it would 
not be for the advantage of the Church, that these unhappy 
differences should be brought to a close. It must certainly 
weaken the influence of our Ministry, to have it known that 
these animosities exist among the Clergy ; and it must alse 
undoubtedly be a great cause of rejoicing to those who are 
the enemies, and w^ho seek the downfal of the Church. Surely, 
when so many are combined against us, we ought ourselves 
to be united. But independently on all prudential consider- 
ations, it will admit of little dispute, that we are loudly called 
to this union by our duty, both as Christians and as Clergy- 
men. 

" It really appears to me, that this reconciliation can easilj^- 
be brought to bear, without any unbecoming subniissions on 
either side. It may now be done without giving publicity 
te any of the previous measures ; as what is now written ha5 
been shown to no one, and mentioned to no one, except to 
one confidential friend ; and is not intended to be shown, 
unless imperious circumstances shall require. This I mean, 
however, only ts a guide to my own conduct* 



XXA'lli AP.EJEN131^.. 

'< This letter you will be so good as to communicate to Mr. 
How, to whom jointly with yourself, it is intended to be ad- 
dressed. It is sent to you in the spirit of friendship, in order 
to avoid any interruption of that harmony which ought to 
subsist. At the same time, I beg it may be distinctly under- 
stood, that I deprecate no consequences, but that of the com- 
mitment of the peace of the Church. 

Your Brother in Christ, 

CAVE .TONES. 
Rev. Dr. Hobart. 
New York, May 14th, 1810." 

You most violently assaulted Mr. Jones, because of this his 
determination, to have intercourse with Dr. Moore. Mr. J. 
says of your conversation, 

" It was lengthy, and embraced a variety of topics, so that 
it is almost impossible to remember the particulars : and it 
really would appear to me that every thing was resorted to, 
which might have a tendency to wound my feelings and irri- 
tate my temper. So firm was the impression on my mind at 
the time, and such was the tartness and the irritating nature 
of his remarks, that I more than once was induced to ask him 
whether he was seeking the occasion of a quarrel ? This, to 
be sure, he disavowed ; and while he was making the most 
severe remarks on every part of my character and conduct, 
he would say, ^ I mean not now to wound your feelings.^ He 
took a review of the whole period which has passed since my 
coming to the city, (although we had agreed at Mr. Harris's, 
on the affair of Mr. Gillet, to bury every thing in oblivion 
prior to that event) and contrasted his friendly deportment, 
as he mentioned, towards me, to what he charged me with, 
my unfriendly and insidious deportment towards him. He 
brought into view a variety of little trifling particulars with 
regard to the question of precedency ; and others which had 
never been mentioned between us ; and asserted that 1 had 
assumed an importance which did not belong to me, and had 
infringed upon his right. This referred, as he explained it on 
my inquiry, to the question of precedence at the communion 
and at funerals ; which, as I then reminded him, had always 
been arranged between us by agreement, or by courtesy. But 
he asserted, that although he had the politeness to yield to 
me, yet I ought to have had the good sense to have refused. 
He charged me with being, if not the principal author, at least 



APPENDIX. XXIX 

a ver}^ instrumental cause of the misunderstanding between 
him and Dr. Moore, and asserted that I had no pretensions to 
the offering of myself as a mediator between them. He al- 
leged that, on a variety of occasions, I had acted as his secret 
enemy. And, after taking a review of the whole ground, as 
well as at several intervals, while 1 endeavoured to explain 
and defend, he would tauntingly say, ' and yet, after all this, 
you hold yourself up as perfectly immaculate, a paragon of 
goodness, altogether qualified to reconcile differences.' He 
urged me for the reasons for certain parts of my conduct. If 
I gave them in general, he urged me to specify particular 
facts. If I waved it, he threatened to bind me to proof. 
Till at length I told him that I wished to avoid any further 
altercation; and that I really was obliged to be on my guard ; 
because I saw that he was disposed to catch at my words, and 
twist them to my disadvantage. He talked several times of 
being able to fasten certain charges on me by proof ; and said 
that matters were drawing to a crisis, when I would have to 
answer for my conduct. During the whole of this time, I 
dare appeal to himself, that I acted entirely on the defensive, 
and that I suffered none of those passions to arise, which 
might naturally be expected to be excited by the occasion : 
while, on the contrary, he throughout, and particularly to- 
wards the conclusion, was warm, impetuous, and irritating." 

Your conduct in relation to Mr. Jones, like your present 
conduct toward those who refuse to acknowledge your right 
to rule every where, began to assume a far more threatening 
aspect. He would not bend to you. He determined to go 
on in an independent career, and you, it would seem^ resolv- 
ed to crush him. You began to say to him, 

" What will you say, if I can bring proof ? What will you 
say, if 1 can produce it in black and white ? matters are draw- 
ing to a crisis, when, perhaps, it may appear against you.'' 

" Among (says Mr. J. of you,) the causes of complaint 
against me, he mentioned my having interested myself in 
behalf of Clergymen to whom he was opposed." 

" We now arrive at a new period ; which seems to have 
produced the acme of my insults ; and to have developed the 
consequences which were to ensue upon my pertinacity. 

" At the meeting of the Convention, the business went on 
very peaceably till the close of the second day. Mr. How 



XXX APPENDIX. 

and Mr. Lyell had, however, during the two days of the ses- 
sion, been observed to be very busy in private conferences 
with the members both in and out of the doors of the 
Church. The close of the business of the second day, just 
before the hour of the adjournment of the Convention, 
disclosed the purpose for which they had been engaged. At 
that period of the sitting of the Convention, the different 
Committees are appointed. On counting the votes for mem- 
bers of the Standing Committee, of which I had been a 
member for ten 5^ears from the time of my first removal to 
the city, it appeared that my name was left out, and that of 
Mr. Bowen was substituted. On this being announced, the 
Rev. Mr. Harris, who had been a member with me for 
several years, and who knows the manner in which I have 
discharged the duties of that office, arose and begged leave to 
resign. Dr. Hobart immediately moved that his resignation 
should not be accepted, unless he could offer sufficient reason. 
Mr. Harris observed, that it would be a matter of great grief 
to him to be obliged to give his reasons, and begged permis- 
sion to resign without being put to such necessity. The 
motion however, was insisted on, and Mr. Harris was 
repeatedly called on for his reasons : the gentlemen of the 
Laity seemed particularly desirous of hearing them. After 
being thus refused permission without complying with the 
requisition of the motion, Mr. Harris arose and said, that 
painful as it would be to him to comply with the demand, 
yet since it was insisted on, he must proceed to lay his 
reasons before the house. He began, by saying Hhat the 
vsame reasons which were to be advanced against Mr. Jones, 
would operate with equal force for the exclusion of himself 
from the Standing Committee ; that Mr. Jones had always 
discharged the duties of that office with fidelity ; and that no 
cause whatever existed, why he should be left out of that 
appointment.' He was going on to deliver his reasons at 
length ; when Dr. Hobart rose while he was yet speaking, 
called him to order, and proceeded with much warmth in a 
speech of some length, evidently with a design to prevent 
Mr. Harris from proceeding. The principal topic which, as 
far as I recollect, he insisted on was, that the Convention had 
an undoubted right to appoint to the different Committees, 
whomsoever it should seem proper to that body so to do, and 
that no one had a right to impeach the motives of the mem- 
bers 5 and he hoped that the gentleman, alluding to Mr„ 



APPEjJfPiX. XXXI 

Harris, would not interrupt the peace ^and harmony of the 
Church. As soon as he closed, Mr. How, with equal 
warmth and with an insulting manner, said, ^ He was 
astonished at the gentleman,' meaning Mr. Harris, 'that 
that gentleman ought to be ashamed of himself to impeach 
the motives of his brethren, and that he was guilty of oflfering 
a o-ross insult to the Convention.' When Mr. Harris was 
permitted, he again rose and said : * God knows, and that 
gentleman knows,' pointing to Dr, Hobart, 'that I have 
laboured hard to preserve the peace of the Church.' He 
was going to proceed ; but was dissuaded by some of the 
elder Clergy who sat next to them, and who begged of him 
to desist. 

" It is capable of proof that a regular plan was laid for eflfect- 
ing this object, and that the most complete electioneering 
schemes were resorted to ; notwithstanding the pretended in- 
dignation at the impeachment of motives, and the declared 
insult to the Convention. Individual members were applied 
to, both of the Clergy and Laity. The general pretence 
made use of, was, that there were in the Committee too many 
of the Clergy of Trinity Church ; though the gentlemen con- 
cerned have since avowed that the measure was out of enmity 
to me. Tickets were written out, were even folded up, and 
were put into the hands of different agents, both of the Cler- 
gy and Laity, for distribution. And many were thus 
imposed on, who were willing to be saved the trouble of 
writing tickets, and who took it for granted that the election 
was going on as in years before, by taking the names of the 
members from the Journals of the last Convention. 

'* In aid of these measures, and in order to prepare the 
minds of the members of the Convention for this business, 
which was intended to be brought before them, other means 
were resorted to. Two reports were set on foot, and indus- 
triously propagated, just before the meeting of the Conven- 
tion, and with a zeal which would indicate that nothing less 
than my ruin was aimed at. — Of these, and of the circum- 
stances which led to them, I must give an account somewhat 
more lengthy than their importance would otherwise de- 
mand ; but which seems to be requisite, because they have 
been turned to good account for the purpose intended. 
When the matters of fact are fairly stated, it will also, I trust, 
appear that these reports were utterly without foundation. 
They have however answered the intended end ; and are 



XXXll APPENPIX. 

now nearly sunk into silence and oblivion. These rei^oxLc 
were indeed set on foot and propagated principally by Mr. 
Lyell ; but they are equally chargeable to Dr. Hobart and 
Mr. How ; because these gentlemen have abetted them, and 
given them currency, particularly the last. It is also to be 
considered, that these three gentlemen have acted in concert, 
in the whole of this business of the Convention, and pre- 
viously in relation to Dr. Moore and Mr. Feltus ; and, there- 
fore, what is done by one, must be considered as proceeding 
from the whole. 

" In order to perceive the purpose to which these reports 
have been made subservient, and which they have actually 
been instrumental to effect ; it will be necessary to notice a 
conversation had with some of the members of the Conven- 
tion, in the evening of the day on which the Committees 
were chosen. But first, it will be proper to mention the cir- 
cumstances which led to this conversation ; and which will 
throw additional light upon, or rather will envelope in tenfold 
darkness, the whole proceeding. 

" Just before the opening of the Convention, on the last day 
of the meeting, the Rev. Mr. Bowen came to me, and invited 
me to take a family dinner with him ; which I readily con- 
sented to do. It happened, entirely without my knowledge, 
that my wife made a morning call on Mrs. Bowen ; and her 
stay was so much insisted on, that she also took dinner with 
us. As soon as the ballots were called for, and Mr. Bowen 
had delivered in his ticket, he left the Church. Mrs. Jones 
lias since informed me, that on his coming to the house, he 
seemed to be much agitated, though she did not then know 
the cause ; and, on my return home in the evening she in- 
quired of me what could be the occasion of so much distress 
to Mr. Bowen ? my answer was, that I knew not, unless it 
were what took place with regard to the turning of me out of 
the Standing Committee. < Well,' said she, ' Mr. Bowen, 
I am sure, had no hand in that; for he was as much dis- 
tressed as I ever saw any man.* She then proceeded to in- 
form me, that during Mr. Bowen's stay in the house, he 
walked the floor continually, frequently looking out and ex- 
claiming, * he wondered what they could be about so long 
in the Church; they were about no good, he was sure; nothing 
but wrangling, and jangling, and electioneering !' On Mrs. 
Bowen's asking what could be the matter? he said, ^oh ! 
scandalous doings; shameful proceedings! I am sick of such 



APPENDIX. XXKlir 

works. I left Charleston partly with the view of getting rid 
of this kind of business, and in the hope of living in some re<- 
tirement and comfort ; but here I find matters are conducted 
in the same contentious way. I abominate the whole pro- 
ceeding. It is a shameful electioneering piece of business. 
This party- work is not the way to build up the Church !' He 
afterwards returned to the Church ; and on the adjournment 
of the Convention, he waited for me, and we walked to his 
house together. The Rev. Mr. Hart also took dinner with 
us. 

" I had made up my mind not to say any thing concerning 
the business of the Standing Committee. But after the ladies 
had retired, Mr. Bowen himself introduced the subject. 
He repeated to me several of the expressions which he 
had used to Mrs. Jones. And he proceeded to say, that he 
disapproved of the whole proceeding ; it was a shameful elec- 
tioneering business. ' There is no reason whatever,' he con- 
tinued, ^ why you should be left out of that appointment ; 
and when there is not some urgent reason, it is always im- 
proper that an old member should be removed from such 
bodies. I consider myself,' said he, < Mr. Jones, as holding 
a place which you ought to fill ; and I shall always conceive 
myself bound to follow, in that situation, that line of conduct, 
which I shall be conscious you would pursue.' He then 
informed me, that he and his delegates had voted for me. 
' Mr. David B. Ogden,' he said, ' after having been solicited 
by Mr. How to vote against me, had applied to him, as the 
Rector, to know what had best be done, and he had re- 
turned for answer, ' This was a matter of private concern, 
between me and the other gentlemen ; and that they, the 
representation from Grace Church, had nothing to do with 
it' Something led to the mention of the reports which 
were in circulation ; and I began to give some explanation, 
but checking myself, and feeling an indisposition to proceed, 
1 said, * However, I do not wish to speak of what concerns 
myself.' < Nay,' said Mr. Hart, ^ it is proper that you 
should. We who live at a distance, know nothing of what 
is going on in the city ; and therefore can be guided only by 
what we hear. Many of us, I have no doubt, have been led 
to vote in this business, from what we have been told con- 
cerning you. 

^' Amid these various ostensible reasons, the real cause of 
displeasure has been kept out of view. On a reference to th© 
5* 



XAXi\ APPENDIX. 



difi'erent conversations had with Dr Hobart and Mr. HovV; 
it will appear that all the warnings given, and the whole 
threatening of consequences, turned upon my compliance or 
non-compliance with the directions given not to exchange 
with Dr. Moore and Mr. Feltus. These consequences I 
was at the time unable to divine ; and it gave occasion to 
very considerable speculation. For some length of time, I 
had been led to expect from either of these gentlemen but a 
small portion of favours ; except, indeed, to answer their 
convenience by w^ay of accommodation, which I always 
readily yielded, but was particularly careful not to ask the 
like in return. And unless my continuance in the station 
which I held in the Church, depended upon their favour and 
influence, it was difficult to conceive, what I had to lose. 
But the business of the Convention dissipated all these 
doubts and difficulties. The dreadful threatened consequen- 
ces were to be, the turning of me out of the Committees ; in 
the discharge of the duties of which, I challenge them to 
produce a single instance of dereliction or unfaithfulness. 
And the plea of there being in those Committees too great a 
proportion of the Clergy of Trinity Church, was to be the 
powerful engine for effiscting their end ! By the way, had this 
reason been founded in truth ; would not a little delicacy 
have dictated, that I should have been consulted on the 
measures before they were carried into effect ? and that we 
should have agreed among ourselves, who should be the one 
to retire ? But — Oh ! I blush for the honour of the sacred 
character — these gentlemen knew that this was not founded 
in truth ; they have been obliged to acknowledge that this 
was only the ostensible reason ;* and they have been com- 
pelled, for their justification, to recur to matters of really 
trifling moment — to the old circumstances respecting Mr. 
Prentice, which belong to a considerable prior period, and 
which, by the express and urgent proposition of Dr. Hobart 
himself, we had solemnly, before a witness, pledged our- 
selves to bury in oblivion. 

"Another consequence to ensue, should I dare to follow the 
dictates of my own judgment, was, as has since come to 
light, that I should be compelled to resign my living in 



* One of the gentlemen wbo voted against me, has, in a late conversation,. 
]).een surprised into an acknowledgment, that the reason of the oppositioii 
ttj me J was my exchanging with Dr. Moore. 



APPENDIX. XXXV 

Trinity Church. For some time previous to the last Con- 
vention, hints to this effect were thrown out ; but, since that 
period, it has been intimated in pretty plain language, that if 
T did persist in exchanging with Dr. Moore and Mr. Feltus, 
means would be taken to compel me to leave the city; or, if 
that could not be effected, Dr. Hobart and Mr. How would 
themselves retire. The former part of the alternative has 
not been effected. But the whole system of measures pur- 
sued, seems to indicate that it is kept steadily in view. 

"These things are only several parts of the same system ; 
and that all who come in the way of that system, shall feel 
the rod, and be made to bow." 

Speaking of an assistant Bishop being chosen, and a special 
Convention called, in order to accomplish a choice, Mr. J. 

says, 

" But even should there at length be a necessity for a 
choice in this State, there is no necessity for hurrying it, in 
order to be in time for the next General Convention. The 
consecration can be obtained at any time in the interval of 
the meeting of Convention, by procuring the necessary re- 
commendation from two thirds of the Standing Committees 
in the different States. 

" But these trifling difficulties are of immense magnitude, 
when a particular purpose is to be answered. They have 
been urgently represented as such." 

The Rev. Dr. Beach, senior assistant Minister of Trinitv 
Church, was prominent as one who should be assistant Bishop, 
provided one was chosen, but 

" Every engine was set to work to get Dr. Beach posi- 
tively to declare that he would not accept of the appointment. 
Acquaintance after acquaintance, numbers of persons in suc- 
cession, called on Dr. Beach, and there is reason to believe, 
ivere sent, in order to prevail on him not to suffer his name 
to be made use of, and indeed, positively to decline being 
considered as a person to whom the offer of the office should 
be made. Letters were written from different Clergymen 
with whom Dr. Hobart and Mr. How had influence, &c. 

" Dr. Hobart had not been uninformed of the part which 1 
should act. And, in order to counteract it, he was engaged 
in procuring certificates concerning his conduct towards me. 
Among others, he applied to Dr. Beach, to certify that he 



had never heard Dr. Hobart speak otherwise than respect- 
fully of me. Dr. Beach observed, that he could certainly 
testify that : but, then, on the other hand, he should be in 
duty bound to testify, that he had never heard me speak 
otherwise than respectfully of Dr. Hobart. He was also, he 
said, acquainted with a circumstance, by which I had un- 
equivocally evidenced my friendship for Dr. Hobart ; while, 
on my being nominated to a particular official duty, Dr Ho- 
bart evidenced his displeasure at the appointment. For 
these reasons, Dr. Beach said, he thought it best that he 
should give no certificate, as it could answer no beneficial 
purpose whatever. Dr. Hobart flew into a passion, and said: 
'*If you will not do me justice, I will do justice to myself; 
and 1 will publish to the world what i/ou have said about 
Mr. Jones; and I will publish moreover, that you will say 
one thing to-day, and, another thing to-morrow; and I will 
prove it, sir ; I will prove it." Taken altogether, Dr. Beach 
has said, from the manner, as well as from the matter, he 
never has been so insulted in his life. 

•* After the way was apparently cleared in this respect, 
another obstacle was to be removed. There was still another 
gentleman, to whom, from his years, and from his respecta- 
bility of character and of talents, the eyes of the Church 
might be directed, v/ith a view, to a tender of the Office. 
Some means must be devised to get him out of the way. 
And a curious plan, truly, was fallen upon for the purpose. 
The office of another assistant Bishop was devised for the 
neighbouring Diocese of Connecticut: and that too, without 
the concurrence, and even without the slightest knowledge 
of the very venerable Bishop of that Church. Means were 
taken to have a correspondence opened from individual Cler- 
gymen of Connecticut, with the gentleman above referred 
to — without even the sanction of the Standing Committee. 
And there is sufficient reason to believe, though in the pres- 
ent state of affairs, T will not positively hazard the assertion, 
that this correspondence was planned, and had its origin 
in New-York. The object of that correspondence was to 
consult that gentleman, on the question of his accepting of 
the office, provided the ofier should be made ; and to get him 
pledged to that effect. And I only regret, that he should be 
so far imposed upon, as to be drawn into that unjustifiable 
step. He would not surely have consented, had he not been 
persuaded that the measure took its origin from higher 



APPENDIX. XXXV 15 



authority, than that of uncommissioned individuals. It is, 
however, a certain fact, that the Bishop of the Church in Con- 
necticut, knew nothing of what was transacting, until he was 
applied to, after the correspondence, to know whether 
he would agree to have such Assistant. Of the correspon- 
dence, he had not the slightest intimation, until some time 
bince the last mentioned application. When it came to his 
knowledge, the effect was natural to fill the mind of the 
Bishop with uneasiness and distrust ; and a very considera- 
ble degree of agitation and ferment is produced among all 
the Clergy. 

" Let us view this business in its different bearings. The 
gentlemen who were engaged in concerting and conducting 
this pkn, are those who profess a very superior degree of 
veneration for the Episcopal character ; and consider it 
armed with an authority which others perhaps may not be 
disposed to acknowledge, at least not in the same degree. 
Yet no difficulty was found in conducting a measure of the 
highest importance to the Church, without the concurrence of 
the Bishop, without his knowledge, without giving him the 
least intimation. And that measure too, was for an appoint- 
ment to an office, in which the Bishop was particularly con- 
cerned ; and which in its consequences would naturally lead 
to his total retirement from his official connexion with the 
Church. The great body of the Clergy in Connecticut were 
unacquainted with these proceedings, or at least gave them no 
sanction. The great body of the Clergy, especially the elder 
Clergy, have since expressed their disapprobation of them. 
Jealousies, distrust, divisions, are thus excited. The same 
is the case in this State. And thus, in order to answer par- 
ticular purposes and views, the peace of the Church is 
hazarded, and indeed in great measure destroyed, in two 
whole Dioceses of leading importance. 

" By these means however, the way was cleared of all 
existing obstacles : and it now became expedient to call a 
special Convention. Rumour first was set on the wing, to 
represent the expediency of such a measure. And then 
means were taken, without regard to delicacy, to have the 
matter so brought into view, as to get the Convention called. 
Reports were then immediately, and indeed, before that 
period, put into circulation, and spread with incessant indus- 
t>y, that Dr. Hobart, was universally looked to, and was the 
most suitable person for the appointment. And letters, we 



XXXVIH APPENDIX. 

have reason to believe, were written to the country parishes, 
(one we know was written) stating that Dr. Hobart was 
unanimously nominated by the Clergy in the city. While 
the truth is, that the elder part of the settled Clergy, and the 
full half of those, of that description, who are entitled to 
vote, were not even consulted on the subject. 

"In the conclusion of these interesting particulars, let me 
again beg indulgence to have it remembered, that 1 am not 
here dealing in conjectures. Proofs are ready to be ad- 
duced ; and proofs which will produce conviction. 

" The members of the Church are now in possession of the 
facts which are necessary to enable them to form a correct 
judgment of the state of matters now at issue. If I do not 
greatly mistake, they will perceive that something more is 
to be offered on my part, and on the part of those with 
whom I act, in justification of the course which we have pur- 
sued, and intend to pursue, than, what has been alleged, jea- 
lousy and envy of the rising fame of Dr. Hobart. 

^' If I am not greatly mistaken in my view of things, they 
will further perceive ; — 

" That, for a considerable time past, a regular system has 
been pursued with a direct view to the present, or a similar 
momentous period ; all the parts of which system, have had 
for their object the paving of the way for the elevation of 
the principal actors : 

^'That a part of this system has been, to depress all who 
were not found subservient to these leading views ; and, as a 
consequence, that all the Clergy who have for some time 
past, been settled, in this city and neighbourhood, unless un- 
der the patronage of Dr. Hobart, have been decried and 
treated with cruelty. 

" And in order to guard against a recurrence and a continu- 
ance of these measures : — that it is our indispensable duty to 
endeavour to select a gentleman of more experience, of a 
more equable temper, less attached to party, and who pos- 
sesses a more tender regard for the character of his Brethren; 
that we should select such a character, to fill the responsible 
office which is contemplated to be supplied. 

^* I lament most seriously the necessity which is laid upon 
me to unfold these disagreeable truths. I am fully aware of 
the danger which I incur, by the part which I am now acting. 
Dr. Hobart has threatened, in pretty intelligible language, 
even before this firm stand which I have made, that means 



APPENmx, XXX15. 

would be taken to compel me to relinquish my living, and to 
leave the city. Mr. How has said to a friend in the Ministry., 
•^ If it were not that you adhere to Mr Jones, that man would 
be able to raise no opposition, and would sink into neglect!' 
This is the language of Christian Ministers of religion ! This 
is their language towards a Ministering brother ! And for 
what ? Because Mr. Jones will not be subservient to the views 
of one or two individuals: because he will not, in subservi- 
ency to these views, treat with unmerited cruelty all who are 
marked out as persons not fit to be trusted: because bethinks 
himself entitled to exercise his own discretion. Well — be it 
so. I am prepared for the worst. While a sense of duty to 
the Church, and the vindication of my own character and 
conduct impel me, I am not to be appalled with difficulties. 
Feeling a consciousness of rectitude, and trusting to that gra- 
cious Providence which has conducted me thus far in life, and 
thus far, 1 am thankful, with reputation ; I hesitate not to look 
danger in the face. If I must fall, let the truth first be told. 
Let me fall without dishonour,, making at least one effort 
in my own defence. 

CAVE JONES. 

Such are some of the circumstances, which Mr. Jones in- 
formed the world were connected with the elevation of you 
to the Episcopate. Who, in them, does not perceive a pro- 
totype of some of the proceedings of your junior friends in 
this now persecuted Diocese ? 



xl 



A.l»PJb}Nl>IX- 



No.III. 



The case of Dr. Ducachet is described in a narration pre- 
pared by himself: which, from having no correspondence with 
him on the subject, I know not whether he designs for the 
public or not. 

I believe the case of the Right Rev. Dr. Chase is known to 
nearly all the Protestant world. Documents connected with 
that case are nearly innumerable. The opinion entertained by 
one of those Churches, best enabled to appreciate the tendency 
of your efforts against the interests of the Episcopal Church 
in connection with that subject, is — 

•d Declaration and Protest of the Wardens and Ves- 
try of Christ Church, Cincinnati, against the proceedings 
of Bishop Hobart and the Trustees of the General Theo- 
logical Seminary of the Episcopal Church, in relation to 
the Mission of Bishop Chase to England, 

At a meeting of the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, 
Cincinnati, on the 22d day of November, 1823, the follow- 
ing Declaration and Protest, against the proceedings of 
Bishop Hobart of New- York, and the Trustees of the 
General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, 
in relation to the mission of Bishop Chase to England, 
was unanimously adopted : 

We, the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Cincin- 
nati, have read, with surprise and sorrow, two letters from 
the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart to the Right Rev. Bishop 
Chase, on the subject of establishing a theological school in 
Ohio, and on the subject of Bishop Chase's visiting England 
to solicit funds in aid of that object. We are surprised 
that any objection should be made ; we are more surprised 
at the character of the objections. We are grieved that 
these objections should come from Bishop Hobart, and we la- 
ment the tone and manner in which they are urged. We 
feel it our duty to call the attention of our Episcopalian 
brethren to this subject, to express our sentiments upon these 



APPENDIX. Xll 

objections, and to enter our most solemn protest against the 
principle upon which they are founded. 

It is objected, that the General Theolog;ical Seminary of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church of the U. S. of America, 
established in the city of New-York, "is peculiarly entitled 
to the patronage of all those benevolent individuals, who take 
an interest in the prosperity of the American Church ;" and 
it is asserted that the Seminary has "paramount claims" to 
all funds contributed by charity for the education of the 
ministry of that Church. The force of this objection can- 
not be justly appreciated, without a brief recurrence to the 
history of the General Theological Seminary. 

At the general convention of the Church, in 1817, a reso- 
lution was adopted for establishing a General Theological 
Seminary, in the city of New- York, and a committee ap- 
pointed to carry the resolution into effect. Very earnest but 
ineffectual efforts were made, and the committee reported to 
the convention, in 1820, that "some new excitement was 
necessary in favour of the contemplated institution; and that 
they looked forward to the approaching meeting of the gene- 
ral convention, as affording the only effectual means of 
awakening the attention of the members and friends of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, to an object so essentially con- 
nected with its honour and prosperity.^' 

The subject being thus brought before the general con= 
vention, in 1820, that body resolved to establish the General 
Theological Seminary, at New-Haven, in the state of Con- 
necticut. When this resolution passed the House of 
Bishops, they annexed to it the following declaration : 

" The House of Bishops inform the House of Clerical and 
Lay Deputies, that in concurring in the resolutions relative 
to the Theological Seminary, and its removal from the city 
of New- York, they deem it proper to declare, that they do 
not mean, by this occurrence, to interi^ere with any plan now 
contemplated, or that may hereafter be contemplated, in 
any diocese or dioceses, for the establishment of theo- 
logical iiistitiitions or professorships. 

This declaration was made, at the suggestion of the Bishop 
of New-York, as the only condition upon which the Bishop 
and delegation, from that diocese, would. assent to the re- 
moval. 

The board of trustees, appointed, by the general conven- 
tion, met at New-Haven, on the 13th of July, 1820. anr^ 
6* 



xlii 



APPENDIX. 



prepared a plan for the organisation of the Seminary ; — on 
the 7th of September, 1820, the Seminary was publicly 
opened, and ten students commenced their studies. 

About this time, the Bishop of New- York addressed a 
pastoral letter to the clergy and laity of his diocese, the ob- 
ject of which was to demonstrate the propriety of establish- 
ing a separate theological institution, within the diocese of 
New-York. 

In this letter. Bishop Hobart asserts, that ^<the right of 
every diocese, lo provide for the theological education of 
candidates for orders, subject only to the provisions of the 
general canons of the Church, cannot be questioned. The 
ecclesiastical authority of every diocese is responsible for the 
admission of persons as candidates for holy orders, who, in 
their state of preparation, are under the charge of that 
authority and amenable to it. It is impossible, for a mo- 
ment, to doubt the right of any diocese to make any arrange- 
ment which they may deem proper, in consistency with the 
general canons of the Church, for the instruction and aid of 
candidates for orders, who are under its charge." 

Again: ''It can hardly be supposed that the various 
dioceses, that are or may be established throughout this im- 
mense continent, will unite in support of one theological in- 
stitution ; or that it will be practicable for candidates for 
orders to come to one place for instruction, from all parts of 
the Union. The experience of a very respectable religious 
communion confirms this reasoning, from the general prin- 
ciples of human nature. The Presbyterian Church has a 
theological seminary at Princeton ; but a synod of that 
Church, in the western part of this state, have established 
one, and another is contemplated by the synod of Ten- 
nessee." 

And again : " The propriety of the general convention 
legislating on the establishment and regulation of a general 
seminary, has been doubted, by many of the best friends of 
the Church, and those long conversant in her concerns. The 
moment that body governs too much, or extends its enact- 
ments to subjects on which there are clashing views and 
interests, the peace and union of the Church are endangered. 
That the general convention should confine its legislation to 
those matters that are absolutely necessary to preserve the 
different parts of the Church, as one body, is the principle 
which the venerable presiding Bishop, of ouf Church, states 



APPENDIX. 



xlui 



as the principle that should be strictly observed. And, 
doubtless, in conformity with this principle, and from an ap- 
prehension of the collisions which mia;ht arise, from attempts 
by parties of difierent views to obtain the control of the 
general institution, he has always expressed his opinion in 
favour of provision bein^ made, by the different dioceses, for 
the education of candidates for orders. The very attempt to 
preserve unity of theological opinions^ by a general 
institution tinder the authority of the Convention^ would 
lead to collisions, and to separationsy 

The convention of the diocese of New- York were to meet 
on the 17th of October, 1820, and this pastoral letter was ad- 
dressed to the clergy and laity, that they might be prepared 
to take up the subject of establishing a separate seminary, at 
that meeting. In addition to the pastoral letter. Bishop 
Hobart addressed a circular letter to the principal members 
of his Church, in the city of New- York; of which the follow- 
ing is a copy : 

''New- York, Oct. 10, 1820. 

*'SiR — I was informed, during a recent visitation of the 
diocese, that an agent of the General Theological Seminary at 
New-Haven, had visited several congregations in the state, 
as well to collect funds for that institution, as to organise 
societies for the support of candidates for orders, to be edu- 
cated in it: and I also understand that agents are now 
employed, in this city, for the same purpose. It has not 
been deemed proper to take any measures for organising a 
plan of theological instruction, in this diocese, until the meet- 
ing of the convention, which is to be held in this city, on 
Tuesday the 17th inst. when it is expected that this subject 
will engage their attention. May I be permitted respectfully 
to suggest the propriety of your not countenancing the ap- 
plications of the seminary at New-Haven, until you are 
acquainted with the result of the proceedings of the conven- 
tion, when you will be better enabled to form a correct 
determination. 

'* I am, sir, sincerely and respectfully yours, 

"J. H. HOB^RT.'^ 

The convention met, and Bishop Hobart pressed the sub- 
ject upon them, in his address. He says — " In the exercise, 
then, of an indubitable right, and without being liable to the 
charge of violating the unity, or contravening the authority 



XllV APPENDIX. 

of the Church, we may make provision for the education of 
candidates for orders. — It is a circumstance calculated to pre- 
vent a division of our counsels, on this subject, that the 
support of an institution, in this diocese, does not necessarily 
imply hostility to the general institution, and that even those 
who, from a decided reference to the latter, may withhold 
their support from the former, and still not deem it their 
duty to oppose it.'' 

The Protestant Episcopal Theological Education Society 
in the state of New- York, was established by the convention, 
and immediately organised. In the mean time, the General 
Seminary progressed as it could, and in October, 1821, con- 
tained twenty-two pupils ; six of whom were from the state 
of New- York. 

In March, 1821, Mr. Jacob Sherred, of the city of New- 
York, died, leaving by his will an estate, estimated at about 
seventy thousand dollars, to be vested in'^a college, aca- 
demy, school, or seminary, for the education of young men 
designed for holy orders," in the Church, to be established 
in the city of New- York, under the authority of the general 
convention, or of the convention af New-York. In conse- 
quence of this bequest, a special general convention was con- 
vened, in October, 1821, which adopted a new constitution 
for the General Seminary, and removed it to New-York. 
By the new constitution, the management of the Seminary 
is vested in a board of trustees, to be chosen in each diocese, 
in proportion to the number of clergy and the amount of 
funds contributed by each diocese to the Seminary. The 
Bishops to be ex officio members of the board ; the senior 
Bishop present to preside, and eleven trustees to constitute a 
quorum. ^ 

This organisation places the Seminary completely under 
the control of the diocese of JSFew- York, as is evinced by the 
fact, that of the forty-three trustees, appointed by the last 
general convention, twenty-one are from that diocese alone. 

The Seminary was opened in New- York, on the 13th of 
February, 1822, when twenty -three students were admitted 
as members of the institution. Five others entered during 
the session, making twenty-eight. At the time of making 
out the report submitted to the general convention, in May, 
1823, only eighteen students were members, and during this 
time the Seminary appears to have incurred a debt, beyond 
its income, exceeding fifteen hundred dollars. 



APPENDIX. xiv 

From this very brief sketch of the history of the General 
Seminary, it appears that this establishment ought not to in- 
terfere, and was not intended to interfere, with any plan for 
establishing, in any diocese, a diocesan theological school. 
It appears also, that Bishop White, the venerable presiding 
Bishop of our Church, "has always expressed his opinion in 
favour of provision being made, by the different dioceses, for 
the education of candidates for orders." It appears also, that 
Bishop Hobart has asserted the right to do this, in the 
strongest terms. — and has maintained its policy, as resulting 
from the extent of country over which the Church is dis- 
persed, as founded upon the general principles of human 
nature-, and evidenced by the practice of the Presbyterian 
Church. It further appears, that so far from considering 
the General Seminary as having paramount claims, to chari- 
ties bestowed for the purpose of educating ministers, Bishop 
Hobart has deemed it his duty to issue a circular, cautioning 
the members of the Church, in. his diocese, against making 
contributions to that institution. It is surely matter of sur- 
prise, that Bishop Hobart should express his strong disap- 
probation of establishing a diocesan theological school in 
Ohio, and that he should quote Bishop White as uniting with 
him in this disapprobation. It is surely matter of surprise, 
of regret, of painful reflection, that Bishop Hobart should as- 
sert the paramount claims of the General Seminary ; that the 
standing committee of this Seminary should adopt a resolu- 
tion of the same import, and that Bishop Hobart should be- 
come the bearer of that resolution to England, to be commu- 
nicated to the various societies of the Church, the Bishops 
and others, for the purpose of preventing charitable contribu- 
tions to a diocesan school in Ohio! — the same Bishop Hobart, 
who sent out a circular letter to prevent the bestowing of 
charity upon the General Seminary, when located at New- 
Haven, that such charities might be reserved for a diocesan 
school in New-York! 

The injustice of this course is demonstrated, by the wri- 
tings and by the conduct of Bishop Hobart himself. No- 
thing that we could say could place, in a stronger light, its 
objectionable character. It is an attempt to defeat an effort 
to build up our Church ; an effort consistent with its estab- 
lished canons, and conformable to those views of good policv^ 
so strongly enforced by Bishop Hobart himself, in respect to 
his own diocese.. We cannot shut our eyes against the fact. 



xlvi APPENDIX. 

that this attempt, both in matter and manner, in consistenc}' 
of purpose and in inconsistency of conduct, evinces a spirit 
of dictation, dangerous to the unity, the harmony, the exis- 
tence of the Church. If a General Seminary may be dis- 
countenanced and opposed, when a Bishop of New-York is 
dissatisfied with its location, and with the extent of his 
influence in it; and if, when the same Seminary is removed 
to his diocese and placed under his control, it has ^^para- 
mount claims " to all charities, no matter by whorn confer- 
red, or by whom solicited ; — if no measures can be kept with 
those who seek charities which it claims ; — if the Bishop of 
New- York can be sustained by his brethren, in proclain;ing 
his resolution to shun association with a brother Bishop in 
the pursuit of a legitimate object, lest such avssociation, in the 
eyes of others, should give countenance to that object ; — if, 
upon such account, he is permitted to avoid the society of 
his equals, it is evident, that in these United States, a superi- 
ority is assumed by one Bishop over another, and, conceded 
to him, strongly resembling that originally claimed over his 
brethren by the Bishop of Rome, upon which claim the 
papal power was gradually established. 

We repeat we have seen these things with surprise and 
sorrow. We protest against the claim set up in behalf of the 
General Seminary, as having no foundation, in justice, 
in reason, in propriety, in the unity of the Church, or in the 
fitness of things. We protest against the interference of 
the standing committee of that institution, with the mission 
of our Bishop, as an instance of the spirit that might arise, 
and the danger that might be apprehended, should the gene- 
ral convention extend its enactments to subjects on which 
there are clashing views and interests, as suggested by 
Bishop Hobart in his pastoral letter already quoted. We 
protest against the whole tenor of Bishop Hobart's letter to 
Bishop Chase, as a strong instance of departure from that 
mutual respect toward each other, which ought always to 
be observed between equals. We protest against the sug- 
gestion made by Bishop Hobart, that his appearance in Eng- 
land, at the same time with Bishop Chase, might lead to the 
supposition that Bishop Chase's mission was approved by 
him ; because, this suggestion assumes the principle, that the 
approbation of Bishop Hobart was necessary to authorise and 
countenance the mission, and virtually subverts the indepen- 
dence of our diocese and Bishop. We protest against his de- 



APPKNDIX. Xlvii 

claration, that « it may appear his duty to take some pains to 
prevent the impression, that a measure deemed so injudicious 
and inexpedient, by the Bishops and the great body of the 
Church, is approved by them ;" as asserting a responsibility 
or duty, in himself^ and a fact with respect to o/Aer.s, which, 
in our opinion, does not in either case exist; and as avowing, 
at the same time, an unjustifiable intention to cast suspicion 
and discredit upon a portion of the Church not under his di- 
rection, and upon the conduct of one of his brethren, as inde- 
pendent, in mattei:s of church government, as himself. And 
we protest against the threat, in case our Bishop prosecutes 
his object, to assert in England the paramount claims of the 
general institution, as a most unwarranted attempt to intimi- 
date an equal in the prosecution of a lawful and benevolent 
enterprise ; — a threat rendered more objectionable by the fact, 
that the assertion of a paramount claim, in the general institu- 
tion, would be unfounded in principle, according to the opi- 
nion maintained and pressed upon his diocese by Bishop Ho- 
bart himself, and according to the conduct of that diocese, 
which established a diocesan seminary when the General Se- 
minary was located at New Haven. 

We feel the clearest conviction, that our Church must per- 
ish, unless she can be supplied with ministers nurtured and 
educated among us. It is impossible that young men can be 
sent from the vast region of the west, to be instructed in The- 
ological science at New York. The pious, patient, persever- 
ing minister of the meek and lowly Saviour, is seldom called 
from the circles of affluence, ease, and fashion. It is among 
the laborious and the humble, that such arise. Too frequently 
the means of the candidate would hardly be sufficient to de- 
fray the expenses of his journey. He must be discouraged, 
and abandon as hopeless a wish to become a minister in our 
Zion, and unite, with all his zeal and usefulness to some other 
religious society. Every topic of argument used on this sub- 
ject, by Bishop Hobart, in his pastoral letter already quoted, 
applies with redoubled force to the west. And although 
Bishop Hobart suggests, that Episcopalians, not within the 
diocese of Ohio, can have no interest that a diocesan theolo- 
gical school should be established among us, the fact is other- 
wise. Episcopalians every where, upon our borders and in 
our vicinity, are deeply interested, that means of obtaining 
ministers should be brought within their reach. 



Xlviii APPENDIX. 

It is impossible that the members of any religious com' 
munity should preserve their unity, or existence, without 
clergymen adapted to their peculiar wants and situation. It 
is vain and idle to hope that ministers of the gospel can be 
useful, unless their habits, tastes, feelings, views, and stations 
in life, are, in a great degree, assimilated to the habits, tastes, 
feelings, sentiments and views of their congregations. Young 
men, educated in the counting houses and workshops of a 
large city, never could be expected to open and subdue our 
forests : yet the expectation would be as rational, as the hope, 
that young men educated at the general seminary, should 
plant, build up, and preserve our church. We do not speak 
upon mere speculation. Every where around us, we have 
practical demonstrations of the truths we assert. We have a 
small missionary fund, but we can find no clergyman to per- 
form missionary services. We see our congregations scat- 
tered and dispersed, literally, as sheep w^ithout a shepherd. 
We see other churches, supplied with a ministry from among 
ourselves, prosper and increase. The evidence thus addressed 
to our senses could not be resisted ; and, in the humble syid 
strong hope of removing this great obstacle to our prosperity, 
the measure of seeking aid from abroad was resolved upon. 

It was hoped, that funds might be obtained, which care- 
fully and economically applied, would furnish the means of 
supplying ministers for the western churches. It never was 
surmised that we could give cause of objection or offence, to 
any one, by contemplating the general interest of the church 
in the western country, as intimately connected with its 
prosperity in Ohio, and with the success of the proposed es- 
tablishment. It was regarded as one recommendation for 
making application abroad, that if any thing was obtained, it 
would be adding just so much to the means of supporting 
the general church in America: that it would aid one diocese 
without weakening another. Had our Bishop dug a treasure 
from the bosom of the earth, we should as soon have ex- 
pected to hear a claim to it put forth by the general seminary, 
as to have encountered the objections made, on behalf of that 
institution, against the mission to England. In our opinion, 
there would be as strong reasons for the claim in one case as 
in the other. We assert, most unequivocally, the purity of 
motive which actuated our convention and our Bishop. We 
assert the strong necessity of acting, and the unquestionable 
right to act, on a subject of so much importance to our 



APPENDIX. xlix 

ciiurch; and we regard the conduct of Bishop Hobart, and of 
the General Seminary, in attempting to obstruct our opera- 
tions and prevent their success, as equally unjustifiable, 
whether contemplated as a matter of legal right^ or of Chris- 
tian unity and fellowship. 

We feel no sentiment of hostility toward any individual 
concerned in this matter, nor to any portion of the Church 
connected with it. We are too weak and too obscure to 
seek occasions for giving offence. But we are unwilling to 
suffer wrong in silence, or silently to acquiesce in measures 
which, if drawn into precedent, may subvert the unity and 
independence of the Church. And, therefore, we have re- 
solved to make this declaration of our feelings and opinions, 
and to transmit a copy to each of the Bishops and Clergy- 
men of our Church, and to the Convention of our Diocese, at 
its next session. 

Resolved, That the above Declaration and Protest, signed 
by the Secretary of this Board, be printed, and that a copy 
thereof be forwarded to each of the Bishops and Clergymen 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. 

ELIJAH HAYWARD, 

Secretary of the Wardens atid 
Vestry of Christ Church, Cincinnati. 

The Protest given above, embodies sufficient proof of the 
correctness of my assertion, concerning the surprising course 
you have thought proper to adopt in relation to Theological 
Seminaries. 



APKENDIX. 



No. IV 



The extracts from a pamphlet, repubhshed by you against 
Bible Societies, embodied in the remarks of that champion 
of Bible Societies, the Hon. Mr. Jay, of New- York — re- 
marks addressed to yourself — afford to the readers of this 
letter, abundant evidence of your readiness to use any instru- 
ments for the destruction of those Societies. 

*' Mr. Norris^s manners in private society may, for what I 
know, be polished and agreeable: he may be munificent; 
and since you vindicate his character, I can have no reason 
to doubt your assertion, that he enjoys the confidence of 
others of the episcopal order: and yet, one of the most 
esteemed members of that order — I mean the venerable 
Bishop of St. Davids, has not scrupled to stigmatise him as a 
CALUMNIATOR. * And the conductors of a literary review^ 
distinguished, for its high moral and religous tone, deny that 
he is a GENTLEMAN.t But, Sir, whatever may be the opin- 
ions of individuals, I must still insist, however it may 
displease you, that his writings justify the epithet of which 
you complain, and by those writings I will be judged, j 
refer, Sir, to his letter to Lord Liverpool, and to the Ameri- 
can edition of that letter which you. Sir, thought proper 
to cause to be republished in this country, thus giving an 
implied sanction to its contents.^ I trust, Sir, that the fol- 
lowing extracts from this pamphlet will afford, not merely a 
full justification of the language I used in respect to its an- 

* The Bishop of St. Davids, in his tract " the Bible and the Bible alone 
the ** Feligion of Protestants," speaking of a work by Mr. Norris against 
the Bible Society, says "it is so destitute of the demonstration it professes 
*' to give ; so defective in its premises ; so inconclusive in its inferences, 
*-* and so reprehensible in its calumnies respecting the church members of 
<* the Society," that it may be left ** to its own refutation." 

f " Does he " (Mr. Norris) " think to be made a Bishop ? — that would 
** never do, for an English Bishop ought at least to be a gentlemanP 

Eclectic Review. 

I The Bishop's name is not, it is true on tlie title-page, as the American 
Editor ; but he has himreif avowed his agency in the publication-. 



APPENDIX. i? 

thor, but also an apology for many of those expressio.ns in 
my letter to you, which you deem reprehensible.- 

Permit me to call your attention* in the first instance, to 
Mr. Norris's 

COMPARISON OP THE BIBLE SOCIETY WITH THE ILLUMINATJ. 

I ought to premise, that Robison, in his proofs of a conspi- 
racy, the very book quoted by Mr. Norris, declares (p. 14) 
that the Illuminati were an association formed ' for the pur- 
*pose of rooting out all the religious establishments, and 

* overturning all the existing governments of Europe.' Mr. 
Norris tells Lord Liverpool (p. 7) ' Your Lordship's acquain- 

* tance with the institution' (British and Foreign Bible Socie- 
ty) ' must, from your great engagements, be necessarily limit- 

* ed to what passes under your own eye, when presiding at 
« its public meetings, and its travelling agitators are such 

* complete adepts in getting up these encaenia, that there 

< would be as effectual security taken to keep down every ex- 

* pression, look, or gesture, which could excite a moment's 
^jealousy in your JiOrdship's mind, as the German illuminees 
' were wont to take, in their exoteric exhibitions, to repress 
' whatever might give umbrage to their noble or royal pa- 

* trons.' 

In reference to the distinctions between the Parent Insti- 
tution and its Auxiliaries, and their Associations, Mr. Norris 
observes, ' In the very highest degree of the order (viz. the 
' illum,inees) there were modified mysteries for those who 
' by their rank, were to serve for a protection to its plots 

* without knowing their tendency.' (p. 7.) 

' The delicate office of extortioners is assigned over to the 
^ Ladies, who are for this purpose embodied in a sub-society, 
' a male counsellor or two being charged with the duty of 

* regular attendance upon their meetings, to act as a sort ot 
' safety valve to a machine containing highly effervescent in- 
' gredients^ (p. 9. j To this is added the following note, ' In 

* that horrid letter from Baron Distfurt, under the illuminised 

* designation of Minos to Sebastian, another conspirator, sug- 

* gesting the plan oi a female illuminee association, which 
' is recorded by Professor Robison in his proofs of a conspi- 

* racy ; the same male oversight, to give the proper tone to 

* the proceedings, is laid down as indispensable. * Ptolemy'^ 

< wife must direct them, and she will be instructed by Ptoi' 



;1.1 APPE.N1)IX. 

^ my ; and my step-ciaughter will consult with me: thus we 
^ shall <ionfess them, and inspire them with our sentiments'.' 
Speaking of Mr. Dudley's exertions in the service of the 
Society, he remarks, (p. 13,) 'German illuminism, it ap- 
' pears had in Baron Knigge a propagandist of equal energy. 

* He is stated to have been next to Weishaupt, the most ser- 

* viceable man in the order, and procured the greatest number 
' of members.' ' He travelled like a philosopher, from city 
^ to city, from lodge to lodge, and even from house to house, 
^ before his illumination, trying to unite masons ; and he 
^ now went over the same ground to extend the eclectic sys- 
^ tem, and to get the lodges put under the direction of the 
^ illuniinati, by the choice of their master and wardens.' 
Robison's proofs, p. 158. 

The following from Robison, will throw some light upon 
the character of this apostle of infidelity, to whom Mr. Dud- 
ley is thus compared : ' When describing the Christianity of 
' ihQ priest degree, as he' (Knigge) had manufactured it, he 
says, * it is all one whether it be true or false, we must have 
^ it, that we may tickle those who have a hankering for re- 

* ligion'.' (p. 158.) 

Mr. Norris, speaking of certain members of a Bible Socie- 
ty, calls them * the thoroughly illumined members— they 

* who are for going all lengths.' (p. 14.) 

The following are some of his 

REMARKS ON FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETIES. 

' The Bible Society began its career by trepanning La- 
^ dies into its assemblies, to be the auditors of its seductive 
' and inflammatory harangues, and thus it has corrupted a ge- 
' neration^ for its own purposes.' (p. 9.) 

* The progress o^ female dem>oralization among that por- 
^ tion of the sex which has fallen a prey to Bihle Society he- 
' guilements, may be traced by any one who has had the dai- 
' ly registers of the period within his reach, and sufficient 
« command of time for the investigation : that it has been pro- 
^ gressive, is well known to those who have been observers of 
the developement of the Bible Society's plans.' (p. 10.) 

Let us now attend to Mr. Norris's 






CHARGES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS. 

Mr. Dudley we have already seen compared to Baron 
Knigge, one of the founders of the illuminati. He is like- 



APPENDIX. iili 

wise • the Society^s serjeant-major in the female department,' 
(p. 12,) ^and the chaplain-general of the Society.' (p. 45.) 
His work on Bible Societies is ^ Bible Society craft made 

* easy to the meanest capacity.' (p. 8.) 

Dr. Claudius Buchanan was recommended by ' certain in- 

* dications of talent and character' to * the party self designa- 
*ted evangelical, as a very promising instrument for prose- 
< cuting their designs,' and he ' occupies one of the most dis- 
' tinguishing niches in the Bible Society's jOflSwMeon.' His 
^ third era of light had darkened oxxt understandings.' (p. 46.) 

The Rev. Mr. Cunningham is ' the Coriphceus of the Soci- 
'ety.' (p. 38.) 

The Rev. Mr. Cotterill is a ^ mentally intoxicated pane- 
*gyrist.' (p. 46.) 

The Rev. Mr. Owen, the late Secretary of the Society, 

* got so far beside himself as to fire the imagination of the 
^'amateurs of religious romance,^ &c. (p. 47.) 

The Rev. Mr. Charles, of Bala, is 'a renegado clergy- 
•man.' (p. 48.) 

* Mr. Henderson, who though he is now a distinguished 
' character, elevated in the Society's annals to a doctorate, 

* and chronicled as a companion of all the excellencies, counts, 

* archimandrites, and Princes of the Russian Empire, nay, 

* of his Autocratical Majesty himself, once moved with his 

* companion, Dr. Paterson, in a much less splendid sphere of 
^life in the Carron iron works.' (p. 53.) 

* Mr. Leander Van Ess has only to pour forth a stream of 

* canting supplication, throwing in at proper intervals * no- 
^ ble Society' — ' reverend Society' — * excellent Society' — 
' magnanimous Society' — and the remittance is ordered agree- 
' ably to the prayer of his petition.' (p. 55.) 

The Serampore establishment for translating the Scrip- 
tures, < has been happily designated the ' spiritual steaTU en- 
' gine of the east.'' (p. 55.) 

The London Missionary Society do a certain act to * com- 
' plete the knavery.' fp. 34.) 

A certain pledge given by Mr. Paterson ' appears to have 

* been deemed in Bible Society casuistry more honoured in 
'the breach than in the observance,' and the Bible Society 
*■ in St. Petersburgh is a viper' which the English merchants 
in that city had admitted into their bosom, (p. 34.) 



IrV APPENDIX. 

We will now turn to some of Mr. Norris's 

ASSERTIONS RESPECTING THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLJS 

SOCIETY. 

^ In my conscience I believe that quietness, peace, and love, 
' have rarely been assailed by a confederacy, from which all 
' christian people have more to dread, than is threatened by 
^ this institution.' (p. 1.) 

It is * an institution teeming with all the mischief which 

* the puritanical visions of reformation engendered ; is exten- 
' sively cherished under the same mispersuasion that succour- 
^ ed ihsit mother of abominations, puritanism, in bringing 
' her burthen to maturity, (p. 29.) Bible associations are 
' intended ^ for the very purpose of bringing these very poor 
^ under the operation of the squeezing system, and cozen- 
^ing them into weekly contributions.' (p. 11.) 

The regulations of the Society relative to female associa- 
tions, call down upon the institution, ' the indignation of 

* every man who knows what genuine domestic happiness is, 

* and desires to transmit it to his posterity.' (p. 12.) 

In reference to the Society's translations of the Scriptures, 
Mr. Norris observes ' this spending of its strength at such a 
' distance, when there are such crying necessities at home, 

* would be wholly unaccountable, but for the outlandish 
'names of the dialects, which are equally important in a/?- 
^nancial point of view, with the introduction oi foreigners 

* at its public meetings, to interest the Ladies^ with broken 

* English ; or tattooed Esquimaux Indians, to awaken their 
''sensibilities by ^e^^wr^* and contortions.^ (p. 47.) 

A certain portion of the income of the Society ' was sent 
' totally away from the wants of those out of whom it had 
' been extorted, to that terra incognita, the Society's for- 
^ eign designs.' (p. 14.) 

The Society is guilty of '• breach of faith,' and ' complex 

* dishonesty is fastened upon it, unmitigated even by a sha- 
' dow of an excuse.' (p. 17.) 

The Society is charged with * shop keeping trickery.' 
(p. 53.) 

* In the face of all the Bible anecdotes tricked out in such 

* diversified particularity, in association reports, I have no 

* It so happens, that Ladies are not admitted at the meetings of" th.e 

nrUish aixl l-'oieig-n Bible Society, 



* hesitatioU in denymg it to have been any ivhert practically 
' demonstrated that the Bible Society's labours have general- 

* ly promoted Christianity ; or in disputing the theory of 

* this proposition, that there is any tendency, in those la- 

* hours, to promote it through the world.' (p. 36.) 

"I appeal to your Lordship whether, notwithstanding the 

* greatly increased exertion of the Church during the period, 

* infidelity and blasphemy have not been gathering confi- 

* dence, and spreading their contagion, almost in an equal 
^ degree with the Bible Society^ s progression?^' (p. 36.) 

* When the contempt brought upon the Scriptures by the 
' Society's method of distributing them is considered — when 
"^ moreover its terms of communion are added to the account, 

* that the faith shall be held in diversity instead of the unity 

* of the spirit; and propagated in discordance, instead of the 

* bond of peace ; what other issue is to be expected, than that 

* righteousness of life shall also be cast away, and the ut- 

* MOST LICENTIOUSNESS, BOTH OP OPINION AND PRACTICE^ 
' BE ESTABLISHED.' (p. 37.) 

And now, Sir, it will be for the reader to decide, whether 
I have sinned against good breeding, in using plain lan- 
guage, when speaking of a libeller like this. And, Sir, is it 
the man who has caused these slanders, (which are as desti- 
tute of truth as they are of decency,) to be republished and 
circulated, is it for him, I say, to complain of want of delica- 
cy, and of ungentlemanly and unchristian conduct ? 

Is it for him to aver, that he has never made an unprovok- 
ed, an unnecessary, and a violent attack on Bible Societies ? 
Is it for him to complain of the ' injurious imputations' con- 
tained in the Address of the President of the American 
Bible Society, and meekly to declare that he wished 'to 
*' guard against the supposition of any design on' his ' part 
' to censure those Episcopalians who deem these Societies 
' worthy of their support, and the proper channel of theii' 

* pious munificence ?' 

The Rev. Claudius Buchanan, and the Rev. Mr. Owen, 
were already in their graves when you republished this libel : 
the Rev. Mr. Cunningham and the Rev. Mr. Cotteril still 
live. If you have shown no more regard to the memory of 
the dead, or the character of the living, even in relation to 
eminently pious and distinguished Clergymen of the same 
communion, your own brothers in Christ, than this pam- 



Ivi 



APPENUiX. 



phlet exhibits, surely the respect which others may pay in 
yours, must be owing to their own feelings of propriety, and 
not to any instruction conveyed by your example. 

You are pleased to intimate, that 'though doubtless a good 
' republican/ I seem * very fond of blazoning forth in length- 
' ened columns' the patronage bestowed by ' Kings and 
' Nobles' upon Bible Societies. Whatever, Sir, may be the 
nature oiyour republicanism, mine, I confess, is not so subli- 
mated as to forbid me to rejoice, that the mighty ones 
of the earth are making known that volume which is the 
great charter of the rights of man ; which teaches the Ruler 
his responsibility, and the subject his duty; and instructs both 
in the only true path to happiness here and hereafter.'^ 

The reader of the above extracts from the pamphlet against 
Bible Societies, is requested to remember that Bishop White 
is President of a Bible Society, and that Bishop Hobart had 
the pamphlet which contains the above extracts published in 
this country; and yet. Bishop Hobart is almost exclusively 
the devoted friend of Bishop White!! 



APPENDIX. Ivii 



No. V. 



The following is from the Christian Observer for October ^ 1826. 

<< The first occasion on which we introduce the name of 
Bishop Hobart in our pages, was in our volume for 1816 
(p. 672,) where we expressed our '* sorrow and shame" that 
the Bishop had come forth as a "formidable opponent'^ to 
the Bible Society, and had even gone so far as to publish in 
the newspapers an address to Episcopalians, to dissuade them 
from countenancing that institution. We transcribed the 
Bishop's main arguments, with a running reply by a Lay- 
man of his own church. We need not add, that Dr. Hobart 
was very earnest, and we are sure quite sincere, in his opin- 
ion respecting the evil tendency of the Bible Society ; and 
particularly on account of the union in it of churchmen and 
dissenters ; for our American Episcopalian brethren, though 
but a small fraction of the population of their country, and 
wholly unconnected with the State, speak of all non-episco- 
palians as <* dissenters." With us in England the term is 
neither harsh nor inappropriate ; for it means only " non- 
conformists" as respects the established church ; but what 
it means in tlie United States we cannot so clearly under- 
stand ; and the use of it appears to us exceptionable, because 
it seems to imply a spirit which would exclude from the 
visible pale of Christ's church all who do not adopt the doc- 
trines and discipline of a very small, though highly respecta- 
ble, minority of Irans-atlantic Christians. The Presbyte- 
rians of the United States would have at least a much more 
powerful numerical argument for calling Episcopalians dis- 
senters, than the Episcopalians for thus denominating all 
their fellow subjects. We could wish, therefore, that our 
American Episcopalian friends would avoid this term, which, 
in their lips, either means nothing whatever, or means 
something which, with all our veneration for episcopacy, — 
and we are far from intending to underrate the importance of 
our own truly apostolical code, either doctrinal or '^ regimen- 
tal,^' — is, we think, too sectarian and bigotted to find a place 
in any candid and impartial bosom. Let the Church of 
Rome call all other churches heretical and schismatical, if it 
§•0 please; but let not Protestants follow its evil example." 



Iviii APPENDIX. 



From the Philadelphia Recorder, November 24, 1827. 

We present, for the information of our friends and 
brethren throughout the diocese, the following extract from 
an address to the convention of the state of New York, de- 
livered on the 17th of October last, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Hobart: 

" Connected as this diocese is with other dioceses, as por- 
tions of the same apostolic church, we cannot be indifferent 
to their concerns. ^' If one member suffer, all the members 
should suffer with it." Our lively sympathy must there- 
fore be extended to our sister diocese of Pennsylvania, 
where a powerful and organised party has gradually risen up 
in opposition to the principles and policy of its venerable 
diocesan, and a large number of his clergy and laity. Those 
principles and that policy, recommended as they are by the 
exalted character of that revered father, derive a sacred value 
from their intimate and essential connection with the purity 
and prosperity of our church. 

" The tendency of the views and policy of the opposing 
party in that diocese is stated to be — to amalgamate Episco- 
palians with other denominations, thus laying the foundation 
of lasting discord, or of putting to hazard some essential cha- 
racteristic of our own church — the introducing into it doc- 
trines or practices peculiar to some other denominations of 
Christians — the encouragement of men not ordained to lead 
the devotions, and to expound the Scriptures in what are 
called prayer-meetings — to overthrow our unrivalled Litur- 
gy, by the introduction of extemporaneous prayers, into the 
public, services of the church — to establish and to cherish in- 
subordination to episcopal authority. These are the princi- 
ples and policy of the opposing party in Pennsylvania, as 
exhibited with impressive clearness and force, and yet with 
eminent Christian candour, in some recent publications in 
that diocese, under the appropriate signature of ' Plain 
Truth.' And I feel it my duty thus publicly to name them, 
because they ought not to be ranked among the fugitive and 
ephemeral publications of the day. They should be preser- 
ved, and oftenand seriously perused by every Episcopalian, as 
exhibitina* the danger to which his church is exposed from 
principles and policy, which in their consequences would 



APPENDIX. ixix 

change, and finally subvert her distinctive character. Be- 
lieving, as 1 do, that our church, in that character, is the 
safeguard of pure and primitive Christianity, and placed, as 
I am, by God's Providence, in a responsible station in tiiat 
church, would I not be culpable, if I did not most solemnly 
and solicitously endeavour to guard that portion of it which 
is under my charge from this alarming and fatal contagion?" 

We were aware that the religious opinions, and conse- 
quently the views of religious policy, entertained by those 
who are called the evangelical portion of the Episcopal 
Church in this state, were in contrariety with the opinions 
and views of the Bishop of New-York ; but we were not 
prepared to see that Rt. Rev. Gentleman, upon whom the 
vows of God are resting * to maintain and set forward — 
quietness, love, and peace, among all men,' thus step out of 
his way, to become the accuser of his brethren. Little did 
we imagine that any man who had a regard for his Christian 
character, much less that one of the Bishops of our Church, 
would assume the fearful responsibility of all the falsehoods 
and misrepresentations, which have been attempted to be im- 
posed upon the credulity of the community, by the anony- 
mous communications of ' Plain Truth.' But alas ! so it is. 
May God, of his infinite mercy, 'forgive our enemies, per- 
secutors and slantlerers and turn their hearts.' To our 
brethren and companions in reproach, we would say, in the 
words of our Saviour, * Blessed are ye, when men shall 
revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of 
evil against you falsely, for my sake ; rejoice, and be exceed- 
ing glad, for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecu- 
ted they the Prophets, which were before yon.' Let us, 
dear brethren, go forward, through evil as well as good 
report, causing our * light to shine before men that they 
may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in 
heaven.' Whatever may be the provocation, let us commit 
ourselves, wholly unto the Lord ; fear not them that threat, 
nor trust them that speak fair ; but rely upon him who hath 
promised to stand by us, and who is able to make his promise 
good. Our cause is the cause of Christ's gospel, which never 
yet was promoted, but in the midst of much opposition. 
Though we are sinners, and unworthy of so high a privilege, 
as being permitted to serve our Lord Christ ; yet the cause 
is holy. We need much wisdom, to be able to adorn the 



ixx APPENDIX. 

doctrine of Christ our Saviour, at a time like the present- 
Let us be patient, brethren ; establish our hearts ; and ' take 
the prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an 
example of suffering, affliction and of patience:' 'if when we do 
well and suffer for it, we take it patiently, this is acceptable 
with God. For even hereunto were we called, because 
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that we 
should follow his steps : who did no sin, neither was guile 
found in his mouth ; who when he was reviled, reviled not 
again ; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed 
himself to him that judgeth righteously.' ' If we suffer with 
him, we shall reign with him.' Dear brethren, let us be of 
good courage, and comfort our souls with the hope of this 
high reward. If we cast ourselves wholly upon the Lord, 
and wait upon him alone, his Spirit, will both sustain, and 
direct us. ' Una salus victis nuUam sperare salutem.^ To 
look for no man's help, secureth the help of God, to those 
who seem to be forsaken by the world : yes, God will carry 
us through every difficulty, for his truth ^ake, in spite of all 
opposition. 



!xi 



Thus have I given a view of your ecclesiastical 
course for twenty years, ending on the ominous 25th 
Oct. 1827. This, I know, is (anticipating, or) impro- 
ving on the practice of the ancient Egyptians. Their 
practice was, to recite the doings of their monarchs af- 
ter their decease, previous to performing the last fune- 
ral offices I have adopted a different course, even that 
of an historian, telling you the truth, while you are in 
the full vigour, power, activity, and enterprise of life. 
For the sake of the Church, I spread this portrait before 
it ; for your own sake, I do it while you are yet alive. 

I have not asked a lawyer whether it is permitted to 
give truth in evidence ; nor specially examined eccle- 
siastical canons in reference to possible results of acting 
according to your conviction, expressed in the conse- 
cration sermon, viz. : that " the crisis at which our 
Church is arrived, requires plain speaking :" Neither 
have I been deterred by a knowledge of the fact, that 
in your controversy about the Bible Society, you hesi- 
tated not to level your attack at the ladies of the family 
of the venerable John Jay, instead of meeting the argu- 
ments of your opponent.* Indeed no consideration 
has moved me. I shall rejoice at the privilege of 
bearing even shame for the name of Christ, as I doubt 
not; that, saving and excepting the imperfections a^- 

* See answer of Judge Jay. 



:/ 



Ixiv 

tending all earthly actions, I shall rejoice before the 
tribunal of The Crucified, for having been enabled to 
discharge a high duty to the flock of the Lord, by 
writing this letter. 

Be the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, three per- 
sons, and one Jehovah, everlastingly glorified. Amen. 

B. A. 



(f:|=' The second Letter is in the pres^. 



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